Virat Kohli Fan Pitch Invasion Leads to IPL Season Ban for 18-Year-Old Admirer
In a dramatic Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion incident that captured national attention, 18-year-old Rituparno Pakhira was banned from entering Eden Gardens for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The young fan, a die-hard follower of Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, breached security and stormed the pitch during the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match to touch the feet of his idol.
The Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion unfolded during a high-octane match at Eden Gardens when Rituparno, a high school student and aspiring cricketer, jumped the fence and ran straight to Kohli. After touching the cricketer’s feet, he received a brief hug from Kohli before security guards escorted him off the field.
“Virat Sir Told Me to Run” – Teen Recounts the Moment
According to Rituparno, the Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion was a premeditated move.
“I had planned to enter the ground at any cost,” he said after being released on bail. “The moment I touched his feet, Virat sir picked me up, asked my name and said ‘jaldi se bhaag ja’ (run away quickly). He even told the security not to hit me,” he added, reliving the moment with pride.
Rituparno, who hails from East Burdwan’s Jamalpur, was visibly emotional while recounting the incident.
“I have no regrets. For me, I achieved a dream. I got to touch my god,” he said, still in awe of the brief interaction with the cricketing icon.
Police Custody and Legal Action
Following the Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion, Rituparno was arrested and charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal trespass and reckless conduct. He spent a day in police custody and was produced before a magistrate in Kolkata.
Magistrate Kaustav Mukhopadhyay acknowledged the teenager’s admiration for Kohli but emphasized the dangers of breaching security during live matches. He advised the teen to “be like Kohli in life” instead of risking safety. The court granted bail with the condition that Rituparno would not be allowed near Eden Gardens for the remainder of the IPL season.
Family Pleads for Forgiveness
Rituparno’s mother, Kakali Pakhira, made a heartfelt plea to the authorities.
“He adores Virat Kohli. For him, Kohli is god. We request forgiveness considering his age and dreams,” she said.
The family, who come from modest means—his father is a farmer—have supported his passion for cricket since childhood.
The Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion may have led to disciplinary consequences, but it also shed light on the deep emotional connection fans have with their cricketing heroes.
Cricket Aspirations Behind the Incident
A budding cricketer himself, Rituparno has been training since the age of 12 and currently practices at a club in Beleghata. He’s an HS examinee from Parbatpur High School and has long harbored the dream of meeting Kohli in person.
On Sunday, while in court, he admitted that the pitch invasion was driven by a lifelong wish to take Kohli’s blessings.
Security and Stadium Protocols Under Scrutiny
The Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion also raises questions about stadium security and fan conduct. While the incident ended without harm, such breaches pose significant safety risks for players and spectators alike. Authorities are expected to reinforce security measures for upcoming matches to avoid similar episodes.
The Virat Kohli fan pitch invasion stands as a powerful reminder of how cricket continues to inspire and emotionally move fans across the nation. But it also underlines the importance of maintaining safety and decorum at sporting venues.
