Islamabad, 25 March 2025: A cricket enthusiast faced legal trouble after breaching security to meet his idol, Virat Kohli, during the IPL opening match at Eden Gardens.
Despite his arrest, and an 18-year-old cricket fan described the moment as “worth it.”
managed to climb the fence and evade security before sprinting towards the batting crease, where Kohli was playing for RCB against KKR.
He touched the feet of Kohli and had a brief conversation with the former India captain before security officials intervened and escorted him away.
Following the incident, Pakhira was arrested and held at Maidan Thana. He was later presented in court, where he was granted bail the next day.
Rituparno Pakhira, an aspiring cricketer from Burdwan, reflecting on the event, remained ecstatic despite the consequences.
Upon returning to his village, he shared that meeting Kohli felt like meeting a deity. However, his family had mixed reactions.
While his mother expressed disappointment over his actions, she advised him to stay focused on his cricketing ambitions.
His father and sister, though supportive of his dreams, were unable to justify his reckless decision.
Acknowledging his mistake, Pakhira vowed not to repeat such actions but remained determined to pursue his goal of becoming a professional cricketer.
He hoped that meeting his idol would serve as motivation to improve his game.
Pakhira aspires to join a reputable training camp to refine his skills. He remains optimistic that the encounter with Kohli will inspire him to perform better on the field.