The elusive IPL 2025 title win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned tragic as a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in 11 people losing their lives and nearly 50 getting injured.

The unfortunate episode unfolded on June 4 when passionate fans were attending the celebration event for the RCB team lifting their maiden IPL trophy.

Speaking at India Today's South Conclave, Karthik on Monday (September 8) broke his months-long silence, saying that all the players went into shock in the aftermath of the stampede tragedy.

"We were in Bangalore. You have got to understand that we were told to go to an event and when we got there we were sent back. I don't even understand what had happened. It was beyond us. We are just sportsmen who are playing this sport. When something like this happens, you just don't know how to react. That means that my first instinct when I was told that people are losing lives... Could it change? I really wish it could," Karthik said.

"The aftertaste that it left sent us players into radio silence. You know, RCB is such a well-supported franchise. It completely finished whatever our celebrations could have been. It is one of the saddest things that I have seen. I cannot even start to empathise what those parents and those families must have gone through. I just hope that in some way we can repay them," he added.

Nearly three months after the incident, the defending IPL champions announced the launch of "RCB CARES", which is meant to deal with grievances and problems of their fans.

RCB then released a six-point manifesto to provide meaningful support to the stampede victims. Earlier, the franchise had extended financial aid of Rs 25 lakh to each of the families affected by the incident.

RCB Manifesto for Meaningful Action

1. Provide support that goes beyond financial aid

Ensure fast, transparent, and human support to fans and families impacted.

2. Build safe and inclusive environments

Work closely with stadium authorities, sporting bodies, and league partners to design better crowd management protocols.

3. Empower communities with real opportunities

Social development programs that have kicked off in rural Karnataka, starting with the Siddi community.

4. Invest in independent research and crowd safety

Create a fan-safety audit framework and train our on-ground partners annually on crowd management and emergency response.

5. Elevate fan memory into something permanent

A dedicated space in Bengluru to honour the names, stories and spirit of RCB's most passionate fans. A living tribute.

6. Build futures through sport

Belief in this team should not just live in the stands. Create in-stadia jobs, nurture local talent, and support the next generation of professionals in sport.