WATCH- IPL 2025: Pitch invader causes disruption during tournament opener to meet Virat Kohli

Fan touches Virat Kohli feet (Source: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

A pitch invader interrupted play during the opening game of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22. The incident occurred during the 13th over of RCB’s run-chase, the same over in which Virat Kohli reached his half-century.

The spectator rushed onto the field when Kohli finished his celebration and fell to the ace batter’s feet in sheer awe of the legendary cricketer. The match had to be halted for a few minutes. The ground’s security staff later escorted the ardent supporter off the field.

Interestingly, this was not the first time Kohli had to go through such an experience while batting. During the final of the Cricket World Cup in 2023, an Australian national sporting a white T-shirt and red shorts breached security before running towards Kohli in a bid to hug him. The authorities at the Narendra Modi Stadium were prompt to apprehend the intruder.

Watch the video below:

Kohli’s 56th half-century led RCB to a comfortable seven-wicket victory with 22 deliveries to spare. He was splendidly supported by a blistering knock from Phil Salt at the start of the innings. The brisk 95-run stand laid the platform for Kohli and then skipper, Rajat Patidar, to crush the hapless hosts’ bowling lineup. Only Sunil Narine, who earlier impressed with a fiery 44, managed to reflect economic figures.

Also Check: Video of the Day: IPL 2025 – Virat Kohli crunches Spencer Johnson for consecutive sixes 

RCB’s bowlers had a mixed outing as far as the first innings is concerned. KKR were 107/2 at the halfway mark of their innings. However, the Patidar-led side emerged as the dominant force in the latter half of KKR’s innings. Krunal Pandya ended up securing a three-wicket haul, conceding only 29 runs in his four overs after conceding 15 in his first over. Josh Hazlewood was mighty impressive too. The Australian pacer’s figures read 2/22 after four overs.

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