Rahul Gandhi’s tweet for Virat Kohli has gone viral once again, but this time, it’s during a deeply emotional moment for the country. Just days ago, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait by winning their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
On June 3rd, Virat Kohli proudly lifted the trophy, a dream come true not just for him, but for millions of RCB fans. Bengaluru lit up with joy, and thousands gathered at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate. It was meant to be a day of pure happiness. However, the celebration quickly turned into heartbreak. A massive crowd gathered outside the stadium, and tragically, a stampede broke out, resulting in the loss of eleven lives. In a matter of moments, what should have been a proud, unforgettable occasion became a national tragedy.
As shock turned into anger, social media erupted. The hashtag #ArrestKohli began trending. People pointed fingers at Kohli, the team, and the organizers for ignoring safety concerns. Reports later revealed that local police had advised against holding such a large public event. Despite the warnings, RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and state authorities proceeded with the event.
Amidst all the outrage, a familiar voice of empathy reappeared. Rahul Gandhi’s tweet for Virat Kohli, originally posted in 2021, started gaining attention again. At that time, Kohli had defended his teammate Mohammed Shami, who was facing hateful comments online. Gandhi had tweeted:
“Dear Virat, these people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them. Protect the team.”
Now, in 2025, those words feel just as relevant. They remind us that behind every criticism, a person is facing immense pressure, someone who, like anyone else, feels pain, confusion, and guilt.
Kohli also spoke up, expressing that he was “heartbroken” and offered heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. His team clarified that recent photos of him on a cricket ground in Mumbai were for a pre-scheduled international commitment and not an attempt to evade responsibility. The police have arrested six people so far, including an RCB official, event organizers, and KSCA staff. Authorities have also suspended the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and three senior officers as investigations continue.
In a moment filled with sorrow, Rahul Gandhi’s tweet for Virat Kohli stands out not just for its words but for its humanity. It serves as a reminder that empathy matters, especially when someone is carrying the weight of both victory and unimaginable grief.
