Team India coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out after the tragic incident in Bengaluru, where a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade ended in the death of 11 fans. While Gambhir did not directly criticize the organizers, he expressed deep sorrow and called for responsible celebrations in the future.
💔 Tragedy Overshadows Joy
Speaking ahead of India’s Test tour of England, Gambhir said:
“It is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. I hope in the future nothing like this happens. We all are responsible citizens and must take care of these things.”
🚫 No to Roadshows, Yes to Safety
Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense attitude, was clear about his stance on victory parades and roadshows:
“I didn’t believe in roadshows when I was playing, and I don’t believe in them today either. Celebrations should never come at the cost of someone’s life.”
He suggested safer alternatives like closed-door celebrations in stadiums, especially if the authorities are not equipped to handle large crowds.
🏏 Team India’s England Tour: Updates
Gambhir also addressed cricket-related matters as India prepares for a five-match Test series in England. He confirmed:
- Shreyas Iyer might still join the squad if needed.
- The 18-man squad was picked with form and flexibility in mind.
- Players like Iyer, who scored 604 runs in IPL 2025, remain under observation.
“Anyone in good form can be called up. The door is open for everyone who can deliver.”
🔁 Bumrah’s Availability Still Unclear
One of the biggest talking points is Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. Gambhir said no decision has been made yet on how many Tests Bumrah will play, but he acknowledged the need to manage his fitness carefully.
“We have not taken the call on which games Bumrah will play. It will depend on the series situation and his discussions with the team.”
He added that while Bumrah is irreplaceable, India has enough quality pace bowlers ready to step up.
🔥 Team Mood: Confident & Focused
Gambhir concluded by saying the team is mentally prepared and excited:
“It’s a clean slate. The energy is good, and the players are ready to do something special for the country. This five-Test series is a big opportunity.”
