An 18-year-old fan, Rituparno Pakhira, invaded the pitch to meet Virat Kohli during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. Rituparno Pakhira has no regrets about his actions despite facing a one-year ban from the Eden Gardens and spending a day in jail.
Pitch invasion incidents have become more common in recent times in international cricket and the Indian Premier League. One such instance occurred during the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB at Eden Gardens on March 22, where Rituparno breached security to meet the former Indian skipper.
Virat Kohli Said, ‘Jaldi Se Bhaag Ja’ – Rituparno Pakhira
The fan touched Kohli’s feet and received a hug before being removed by security. Following the incident, he was banned from entering Eden Gardens for the rest of the tournament.
Rituparno shared that Kohli advised him to “run away fast” and ensured that security handled him gently while escorting him out.
“The moment I touched his feet, Virat Kohli sir picked me up, asked my name and said jaldi se bhaag ja (run away fast). Kolhi sir even asked the security personnel coming to catch me to not hit me and asked them to escort me out of the ground gently,” the 18-year-old said.
“I had planned to enter the ground at any cost and prepared myself. I do not have any regrets. I am very happy that I was successful and that I could touch my god,” he added.
He Adores Virat Kohli – Rituparno Pakhira’s Mother
Rituparno was released on bail on Monday despite officials requesting an extension of custody. The magistrate stated that he would not be allowed to enter Eden Gardens for the remainder of IPL 2025.
His mother, Kakali, stated that her son admires Virat Kohli. She urged the authorities to consider his future and let him off with a warning.
“He adores Virat Kohli. For him, he is god. We are requesting cops and judiciary to forgive him considering his age and career,” she said at her home in East Burdwan’s Jamalpur.
Virat Kohli Helps Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win IPL 2025 Opener
Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their IPL 2025 campaign with a seven-wicket win over the defending champions.
After being asked to bat first, KKR posted 174/8 in their 20 overs. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored 56 off 31 balls, while Sunil Narine added 44 off 26. Krunal Pandya helped RCB stage a comeback, taking three wickets — Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh — while conceding just 29 runs in his four overs.
In the chase, Kohli and Phil Salt built a 95-run opening partnership. Salt smashed 56 off 31 balls before getting dismissed, while Kohli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 59. Bengaluru reached the target in just 16.2 overs.
Virat will next be seen in action when RCB takes on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, March 28.
Also read: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of IPL 2025? CSK handed the worst possible news
