In a surprising turn of events during the second T20I between India and Afghanistan at Holkar Stadium in Indore, Virat Kohli experienced a unique fan encounter that momentarily halted the game. Returning to T20Is after 14 months, Kohli found himself at the centre of attention when a passionate fan breached security to reach out to his cricketing idol.
The incident occurred in the 18th over of the Afghanistan innings, as Kohli patrolled near the boundary. A fervent fan, armed with a valid ticket, leapt over the fence and rushed towards Kohli, prompting a temporary interruption in the game. The security personnel swiftly escorted the enthusiastic intruder out of the field.
Here is the video:
The moment when a fan touched Virat Kohli's feet and hugged him.
– King Kohli, the crowd favourite. ?pic.twitter.com/NfShGwtF8I
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 15, 2024
The detained youth, who entered through the Narendra Hirwani Gate, is now under police investigation. Despite the unexpected interruption, India went on to secure a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan, winning the second T20I by six wickets and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
India beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets
After India’s series win against the neighbours, Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. He also highlighted their commitment as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, the daring fan’s embrace of Virat Kohli became a viral sensation on social media, capturing the surreal moment when the fan, undeterred by security measures, reached out to the cricketing icon.
Visibly confused but unharmed, Kohli stood amidst the security personnel as they swiftly handled the situation. The detained fan, possessing a valid ticket, is currently in police custody at the Tukoganj police station, undergoing questioning to provide more details about the incident.
The episode has sparked discussions online, with fans expressing a mix of admiration for the fan’s audacity and concerns about player safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense passion that cricket fans harbour for their idols, even if it occasionally leads to unconventional and unexpected encounters on the field.
