An 18-year-old Virat Kohli fan who breached security and invaded the pitch during the IPL 2025 opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday has been arrested by Kolkata Police.
The young fan rushed onto the field when Kohli struck a boundary to reach his half-century. Overwhelmed with emotion, he touched the star batter’s feet before security officials intervened and escorted him off the ground. At the police station, the fan reportedly expressed his deep admiration for Kohli, calling him “like a God.”
You can watch the video here:
“Virat humara bhagwan hai [Virat is my God].”
A young fan from Bardwan, arrested for criminal trespassing in Kolkata, professed his devotion to cricketer #ViratKohli, saying, 'Virat is my God. I am ready to face anything for him.' The youth had traveled to Kolkata for yesterday’s IPL match and allegedly breached security to… pic.twitter.com/qfrp1JUttc
— Piyali Mitra (@Plchakraborty) March 23, 2025
According to a report by ‘The Indian Express’, the accused was taken to Maidan Police Station in Kolkata, where he was charged under Sections 132 (assault or use of criminal force against a public servant), 329(3) (criminal trespass), and 125 (endangering human life or personal safety through reckless or negligent acts).
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten fifty led RCB to a seven-wicket win over KKR
RCB won the toss and opted to field first against defending champions KKR. The hosts posted 174/8 in 20 overs, with skipper Ajinkya Rahane scoring 56 off 31 balls and Sunil Narine contributing 44 off 26. Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya turned the tide for RCB after a challenging start.
He gave away just 29 runs in his four-over spell and claimed key wickets of Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. RCB’s chase began with a solid 95-run opening stand between Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Salt departed after scoring 56 off 31 balls, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 59.
Bengaluru comfortably reached the target in just 16.2 overs, securing a commanding victory in the season opener. They will now face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, March 28.
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