Despite India currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against England with the affair well poised at 2-1 in the hosts’ favour ahead of the fourth encounter in Pune on Friday, it has been a retired name absent from the squad list that has dominated headlines of late. Last week, Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed to the media that Virat Kohli would return to the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012, for their final group stage meeting against Railway beginning January 30, as the team found itself in a must-win position to have any chance of qualifying. Since, broadcasters have made last-minute arrangements with the Delhi Cricket Association while fans flocked to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in what otherwise have had empty stands much like any other Ranji Trophy encounter. However, for all the hype and support, the 36-year-old was also the victim of unwanted attention from fans which fortunately did not take a turn for the worse on Thursday.
Money Grewal was on the top of his mark in the 12th over and had only just began his run-up when he saw someone steaming past much quicker and stopped in his track. A fan had come running after evading security and everyone looked on curiously as he made his way to the slip cordon to Kohli who was clearly expecting something such. Even as the veteran tried to shuffle backwards hoping to avoid interaction, the fan paid no heed and fell to Kohli’s feet much to the batter’s embarrassment. Much to Kohli’s relief, security personnel arrived almost immediately to carry him off and the legend offered thanks in response.
Twitterati was quick to react to the incident.
Emotions flowing
Security breach
Fan touches feet of #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/DlojG7dOYJ
— Akhil Gupta 🏏 (@Guptastats92) January 30, 2025
Real life superstar. pic.twitter.com/xUjrVBtNzj
— kc (@kohliception) January 30, 2025
Trespassed
A fan trespassed all security to touch the feet of Virat Kohli in the Ranji game at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Don’t really appreciate fans doing such gimmicks. Poses a security threat and they also fall into trouble.pic.twitter.com/lnEUuxN8h6— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 30, 2025
Invasion
A supporter invades during Delhi vs Railways match, tries to touch Virat’s feet. @BCCI#RanjiTrophy #delvsrlys#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/6MY9ICzGnD
— Aritra Basu (@aritrabasu2d7) January 30, 2025
A pitch invader touching kohli’s feet.🙌🏻🤍 pic.twitter.com/I3j1emCJ7V
— Utkarsh (@toxify_x18) January 30, 2025
Talk about it
THE IMPACT OF VIRAT KOHLI:
– Jam packed crowd on Thursdays at Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi to see him.
– One fan breached the field to meet him, another fan jumped in the ground.
– Para military and extra security has been called.
– King returned!#ViratKohli𓃵 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/sSBWa8RSke— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) January 30, 2025
Sad
Virat Kohli fans started throwing bottles and bricks on players in frustration 💔
Delhi cricket has called Para Military to control it. These illiterate fans 💔 pic.twitter.com/O1B3pHadDu— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) January 30, 2025
A FAN RUNNING INTO THE GROUND TO MEET KOHLI 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Inyhh6Dci1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 30, 2025
Whisked away
