A pitch invader at the IPL 2025 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens was identified as Rituparno Pakhira. Despite being banned from the stadium for the rest of the season, Pakhira was content as he managed to meet his idol, Virat Kohli. During the game, Pakhira ran onto the pitch to hug Kohli, causing a brief stoppage in play. Kohli, after a quick exchange with Pakhira, hugged him before security intervened. Pakhira was subsequently arrested and charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 132, 329(3), and 125.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, went on to win the match against KKR and will face Chennai Super Kings in their next game. Chennai also won their opening match against Mumbai Indians. RCB’s first home game will be against Gujarat Titans on April 2. Fans can stay updated on IPL news, player stats, and match analysis on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times.
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