Former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli was pretty lenient towards an invader who breached security at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium to touch his feet. Instead of moving away or asking the fan to move away or running for security, Kohli’s leniency saw him hugging the intruder with warmness.
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It all happened during the second innings of the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2023 Match 43 when Kohli was fielding at the boundary. The fan, who perhaps fulfilled a dream on the back of hugging Kohli, made an exit back towards his position in the stands soon.
Kohli, meanwhile, remained a centre of attraction on the field on the back of engaging with the spectators on multiple occasions. Involved in a couple of dismissals, Kohli was ecstatic after grabbing a couple of catches inside the powerplay as his teammates picked early wickets to lay a foundation of an 18-run victory.
Virat Kohli Hugs Fan Who Breached Security to Touch his Feet
With there being immense support for Royal Challengers in an away match, Kohli didn’t miss an opportunity of channelizing the support towards his team’s cause. As a result, the 34-year old player was spotted motivating the fans to be even more louder in their cheers.
Bangalore, who defended their joint-lowest innings total in the history of the biggest T20 league around the world, bundled out Lucknow Super Giants for 108 in 19.5 overs on a Monday night.
Security Officials Need to be Aware to Avoid Such Invasions in the Future
Even though fans jump railings, barricades or security arrangements with an innocent intention of meeting their idols, such acts should be prevented from happening at all costs. Security officials present at the stadiums should be aware enough to ensure that no fan is able to cross the boundary (both literally and figuratively) in the name of fandom.
It is not for the first time when a fan has indulged in such an act to meet Kohli. Be it Indore Test or Wellington T20I in 2019 and 2020 respectively, the 34-year old player has often had to face such situations on a cricket ground.