New Delhi: The fan who breached security to meet Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata has revealed details of his interaction with the RCB star. The fan identified as Rituparno Pakhira managed to climb the barrier installed at the stadium and invaded the pitch during the game.
The incident took place when Kohli was batting in the middle with RCB skipper Rajat Patidat. The fan ran straight towards Kohli and was seen touching his feet before sharing a hug with the star batter. Pakhira was later arrested by the local police for breaching security at the venue. He revealed what Kohli told him during their interaction.
Pakhira revealed that Kohli asked him his name and told him to run away fast while also urging the security personnel, who captured the intruder, to not hit him.
“The moment I touched his feet, Virat Kohli sir, asked my name and said, ‘Jaldi se bhaag jaa (run away fast). He even asked the security to not hit me,” 18-year-old Pakhira told the Times of India.
Here is a video of the incident:
A fan touched Virat Kohli’s feet during RCB vs KKR match.#RCBvsKKR | #KKRvsRCBpic.twitter.com/S5VRfvUOBN
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) March 23, 2025
Virat Kohli starred in RCB’s victory against KKR
Kohli starred with the bat as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets in the opening game of the IPL 2025 season to get off to a winning start in the tournament. Kohli slammed a sublime knock of an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls to help RCB make light work of the 175-run target and clinch a comfortable victory with 22 balls to spare.
Kohli opened the batting with Phil Salt in the game, and the duo notched up half-centuries apiece to share a match-winning partnership of 95 runs for the first wicket. While Kohli remained unbeaten on 59 to take RCB over the line, Salt set the stage for the thumping victory with his quickfire 56 off 31 balls laced with 9 fours and 2 sixes.
The fan who breached security to touch Virat Kohli’s feet during the IPL 2025 opener at the Eden Gardens, revealed what the RCB star told him. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
