IPL 2018: Fan Invades Sawai Mansingh Stadium to Meet Ajinkya Rahane

Fans invading stadiums in the ongoing Indian Premier League has become quite a common sight. During the Chennai Super Kings’ vs Kolkata Knight Riders match, one fan breached the security at the Eden Gardens to run up to MS Dhoni and touched his feet. The fans invaded the field in the following games too to touch MS Dhoni’s feet.

Something similar happened on Tuesday when Rajasthan Royals were playing against Kings XI Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh stadium. But unlike the previous occasions, the fan did not invade the ground for MS Dhoni. In the latest incident, the fan breached the securities to get close to none other than Royals’ skipper, Ajinkya Rahane.

The incident occurred in the 19th over of the Kings XI Punjab innings where they were chasing 159. With 48 runs needed off 12 balls, Jofra Archer conceded just four runs in the first three balls.

Before the all-rounder could bowl the fourth delivery, a fan jumped over the fencing at the deep extra cover boundary. He then ran on to the field and shook Rahane’s hand. But before he could do anything else, security personnel rushed in and escorted him out of the ground.

Coming to the game, the Royals beat Kings XI by 15 runs to earn a much-needed win. The win was Royals’ fourth of the season in ten games, as they remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Batting first, the Royals put up a challenging 158 for eight in the allotted 20 overs. Jos Buttler starred with the bat, scoring his third consecutive fifty to lay the foundation for the total. In reply, Kings XI Punjab lost wickets at regular intervals and rarely threatened to chase down the total.

They were 19 for three and later got reduced to 81 for six. Punjab eventually finished on 143 for seven despite KL Rahul scoring an unbeaten 95.