A passionate fan breached security at Eden Gardens during the IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) just to meet his idol former Indian national cricket team captain Virat Kohli. The moment happened right after Kohli reached his half-century sending the crowd into a frenzy.

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The fan Rituparno Pakhira sprinted onto the field and touched Kohli’s feet, showing his admiration for the cricket star. However security quickly intervened and escorted him off the ground. Speaking to The Times of India, Pakhira revealed Kohli’s reaction:

"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."

While the fan relished the brief interaction his actions led to legal consequences. According to Hindustan Times he was arrested and charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal trespass and assaulting a public servant.

Despite the pitch invasion Virat Kohli remained focused and delivered a masterclass innings. Chasing 175 Kohli partnered with Englishman Phil Salt (56 off 31) in a 95-run opening stand setting a solid foundation for RCB. The former captain even took on KKR’s premier spinner Varun Chakravarthy, smashing him for a boundary and a six.