An 18-year-old cricket fan, Rhituparno Pakhira, created a brief interruption during the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on Saturday. But for him, it was a dream come true.
Pakhira managed to slip past security and rushed onto the field in the 13th over to touch Virat Kohli’s feet. Kohli had just reached his half-century when the unexpected moment unfolded, causing a short pause in the game.
Kohli’s Reaction to the Unexpected Moment
Rhituparno Pakhira, a young cricketer from Jamalpur in Purba Bardhaman, couldn’t resist the chance to meet his idol. During the IPL 2025 match, he climbed over the fence near the ‘G’ Block, dodged security, and sprinted onto the field towards Virat Kohli. Overcome with emotion, Pakhira fell at Kohli’s feet. The former India captain quickly helped him up, asked his name, and with a smile, told him, “Jaldi se bhaag ja” (run away fast).
Showing his maturity and kindness, the experienced Indian batter signaled security to stay calm and handle the situation gently. He made sure the fan wasn’t harmed before security escorted him off the field.
Legal Consequences and Stadium Ban
After the incident, Kolkata police arrested Pakhira and took him to Maidan Police Station. He was charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for trespassing, resisting police, and risking public safety.
On Monday, the court granted him bail with a Rs 1,000 bond but banned him from entering Eden Gardens for the rest of the IPL season. Police have been instructed to ensure he doesn’t get match tickets.
A Fan’s Determination Despite Arrest
Even after spending a day in police custody, Pakhira had no regrets. “I met my god. There’s no better feeling,” he said. His mother, however, pleaded for leniency, highlighting his love for Kohli and dreams of becoming a cricketer.
Meanwhile, RCB kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a strong performance, defeating KKR by 7 wickets in the season opener.
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