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WATCH: Fan breaches security to hug, touch Virat Kohli’s feet during IND vs AFG 2nd T20I; Star batter’s reply gesture wins hearts
The second T20 against Afghanistan marked Virat Kohli’s comeback in the shortest format after 14 months. Kohli, who played his last T20I match in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, missed the bilateral series opener in Mohali due to personal reasons. Hence, the center of attention at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday was mainly the former India captain. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement to see their favourite star back in the format and it was evident when one of them breached the security to embrace the ace cricketer.
In the 18th over of the first innings, Kohli was fielding on the boundary line when a young fan trespassed onto the ground. ‘Kohli Kohli’ chants echoed throughout the match in the stadium and this fan decided to go a little further.
He was seen running towards Kohli, hugging him and touching his feet. What won the hearts on the internet was Kohli’s reply gesture. The right-handed batter hugged him back before being taken off the field by security personnel.
Watch the video below:
Virat Kohli is an emotion. 🐐
– A fan hugged & touched the feet of the King at Indore. pic.twitter.com/R8Rju6AerA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 15, 2024
Meanwhile, as per reports, the fan was detained by the Madhya Pradesh police. News agency PTI quoted a police official as saying that he had a ticket for the game and entered the Stadium from the Narendra Hirwani Gate. The official added that he managed to enter the ground by climbing the fence of the spectators’ gallery. Further actions will be taken based on the investigation.
As far as the match is concerned, India won by six wickets, overtaking Afghanistan’s 173 target in just 15.4 overs with four wickets in hand. Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Axar Patel (2/17 were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.
In reply, India lost the early wicket of captain Rohit Sharma for a golden duck. Kohli, in his comeback game, started aggressively and scored a brisk 16-ball 29. Yashasvi Jaiswal (68 off 34) and Shivam Dube’s (63* off 32) 90-plus partnership set the tone for the Men in Blue’s comprehensive win.