Para-military forces called in as Virat Kohli fans go wild in Delhi during batter's Ranji return
Published - 30 Jan 2025, 11:56 AM | Updated - 30 Jan 2025, 11:58 AM
A fan breached security and ran onto the field to meet star Indian batter Virat Kohli during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Delhi and Railways. The security breach at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where the fan managed to reach Virat Kohli, prompted a paramilitary force to be deployed.
Virat Kohli’s return to the Ranji Trophy after more than a decade has drawn significant attention to India’s premier domestic competition. The star batter last played in the tournament in 2012. Ahead of Delhi’s match, a massive crowd gathered at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on January 30 to watch him in action.
Paramilitary Deployed After Virat Kohli Fans Go Wild
Following a pitch invasion in the Delhi vs Railways game. The DDCA has now borrowed the services of CRPF personnel to handle the security. pic.twitter.com/aBaVUb3a43
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 30, 2025
Loud chants of “Kohli” echoed through the Arun Jaitley Stadium as Virat Kohli took the field after Delhi opted to bowl. A fan breached security, ran onto the field, and touched Kohli’s feet. Kohli remained calm, helped the fan up, and requested security not to harm him before the intruder was escorted away.
To prevent further disruptions, paramilitary forces have now been deployed at the stadium. Such incidents are common, as fans have previously interrupted matches to meet their favorite players, including Rohit Sharma. RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan shared a picture of paramilitary forces at the venue.
Fans Started Gathering Outside Arun Jaitley Stadium From 3 AM
According to news reports, fans began gathering outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium as early as 3 AM, eagerly waiting for the gates to open ahead of the Ranji Trophy match. The massive turnout reflected the 36-year-old batter’s status as the biggest crowd-puller in Indian cricket.
Fans chanted “RCB…RCB” while waiting to catch a glimpse of Kohli in action. Though over 1,500 spectators were expected, the actual crowd appeared much larger. Even Kohli seemed surprised by the electric atmosphere inside the stadium during the ongoing first-class match.
Sharing The Dressing Room With Him Is A Very Proud Moment For All - Navdeep Saini
Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini expressed his pride in sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Railways. Saini said that Kohli's high intensity has had an infectious effect on the other Delhi players. He acknowledged Kohli's presence as a motivating factor for the players.
"A lot has changed. Because he is such a legend. So sharing the dressing room with him is a very proud moment for all the boys. So seeing him, everyone is like, how high is this intensity? Accordingly, our intensity is also high. This is a plus point for us," Saini said [quoted by India Today].
Delhi captain Ayush Badoni won the toss and chose to bowl first against Railways. Virat Kohli, who has played 23 Ranji Trophy matches, made his debut in 2006 against Tamil Nadu. Representing Delhi, Kohli has scored 1,574 runs at an impressive average of 50.77, including five centuries to his name.
