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Rituparno Pakhira, an 18-year-old aspiring cricketer, was arrested for breaching security to meet Virat Kohli during an IPL 2025 match. Despite the consequences, he is happy to have met his idol.
Virat Kohli (right) hugs the pitch invader during KKR vs RCB in Kolkata. (BCCI Photo)
He may have broken the law and gotten himself arrested for it but for the 18-year-old Rituparno Pakhira the pain was worth meeting his ‘God’.
During the opening clash of IPL 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens last Sunday, Pakhira, an aspiring cricketer himself, climbed over the fence, catching the security officials unaware, and sprinted towards batting superstar Virat Kohli.
He touched Kohli’s feet, had a brief chat with the former India and RCB captain before being escorted by the security off the venue. Subsequently, he was arrested and kept in Maidan Thana.
The police reprimanded him for breaching the security following which he was produced in a court and was granted bail a day later.
“I am very happy despite what happened,” Pakhira tells News18. “Virat is god to me and am happy that I could meet my god.”
“When Virat reached his fifty, I thought this is the moment and I jumped in. After I greeted him, he asked my name and hugged me. He then told me ‘Bhai tu chala ja abhi’ (You should leave now). He also asked security to not do anything to me,” Pakhira added.
On Monday, Pakhira, still living in his dream world following the surreal turn of events, reached his village in Burdwan where his family has been grappling with mixed emotions.
Pakhira’s mother was in particularly upset at his actions but then advised him to keep working hard if he wants to become a cricketer. However, his father and sister, who have always backed him, haven’t been able to condone his latest deed.
Pakhira has learnt his lesson and vows he won’t repeat his actions that made him go rival.
He though wants to continue working on his dream of becoming a cricketer.
“I am poor and searching for a good camp (to become a better cricketer). Now that I have met my god maybe, I will start playing better,” Pakhira said.Â