Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s supporters partied late into the night back in the city after the franchise pulled off back-to-back IPL triumphs in Ahmedabad, with local police making sure the celebrations stayed orderly. Coming a year after a deadly crush near Chinnaswamy Stadium during title celebrations that claimed 11 lives, Bengaluru Police stepped up presence across the main fan-gathering spots on Sunday night following RCB’s emphatic win over Gujarat Titans at Motera.
RCB celebrations in Bengaluru kept under control
With barriers in place and officers monitoring the crowds, fans danced through the streets to mark the team’s historic success, revelling in the moment around their iconic skipper Virat Kohli. Kohli played the key role in the chase, striking an unbeaten fifty to set the tone as RCB wrapped up another landmark title.
- A fan who took part in the victory parade said the final turned out one-sided despite expecting resistance from the Titans.
- Another supporter, who had travelled to Delhi for personal work, joined the celebrations and declared himself a Kohli fan, adding that he was happy both sides performed well on the night.
Police commissioner outlines security and crowd-safety steps
As soon as it became clear that another RCB win was likely, Bengaluru Police began patrolling key stretches across the city to maintain law and order. City Commissioner of Police Seemanth Kumar said the deployment formed part of routine security arrangements and urged spectators and fans to enjoy responsibly without disrupting others.
He also emphasised that Bengaluru is a peaceful city where people should be able to go about their celebrations, while adding that strict instructions had been issued to prevent troublemakers from spoiling the festivities.
- Special drives were being carried out, including checks aimed at drunken driving.
- Roads that had previously allowed high-speed movement were closed to reduce risk to pedestrians and crowds.
From Ahmedabad to the dance floor: players, families and a tribute
In Ahmedabad, the players and their families also celebrated after a two-month long IPL campaign came to a victorious close. Kohli helped set the tone in a festive mood, stepping into a dance-floor moment alongside his wife, Anushka Sharma.
For captain Rajat Patidar, the triumph doubled as the perfect birthday present. In the midst of the joy, Patidar made sure the franchise acknowledged the fans who were not able to make it through last season after the tragedy.
Remembering last year’s stampede and the return to Chinnaswamy
At the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB’s supporters outnumbered the home team’s crowd—an increasingly common sight across Indian venues. Kohli also pointed to the scale of the backing when he said that while the franchise does not have seven home matches, it effectively feels like 14 thanks to the fans’ loyalty.
The stampede last year shook the country and led to Chinnaswamy Stadium losing top-level cricket for nearly eight months. After multiple rounds of discussions, inspections, and renovation work, the Karnataka Government and the BCCI cleared the way for the venue’s return.
- On match days, RCB players wore jersey number 11 as a mark of respect for those who died.
- In partnership with the KSCA, the franchise also reserved 11 permanent seats to honour the stampede victims.
