'Legends Don't Demand Respect': Netizens React As Fan Invades Pitch To Hug Virat Kohli During RCB vs KKR Clash In IPL 2025

Indian Premier League: During Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) dominating seven-wicket triumph over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opening fixture on March 22, a Virat Kohli fan breached security to invade the pitch at the Eden Gardens and hug the talisman Indian batter. 

Kohli played a stupendous knock in the high-voltage clash and once again proved why he is called one of the greatest batters in this world. The 36-year-old played an unbeaten 59-run knock from 36 balls at a strike rate of 163.89. He amassed 4 fours and 3 sixes at Eden Gardens. 

ALSO READ: KKR vs RCB Interrupted As Fans Invade Pitch At Eden Gardens To Touch Virat Kohli's Feet

A Look At How Netizens React To Fan Invading Pitch In IPL 2025 Opener

The fan invaded the pitch on the 13th over during the run chase when Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar were on the crease. The fan ran straight into the crease and hugged Kohli and fell on the Indian batter's feet. However, the security was quick enough to remove the supporter off from the field and get the match going.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), a fan said that legends earn respect, they don't demand it.

"Legends Don't Demand Respect, They Earn It. A fan breached security just to touch #ViratKohli's feet—an emotion, not just admiration," a user wrote on X.

Another fan took to social media and called it the moment of the IPL 2025 opener between Royal Challengers and Knight Riders.

“Moment Of The Match. A Fan Branches Everything For Virat Kohli And Touches His Feet What A Madness As A Fan Pure Kattar Kolhi Supporter,” a fan wrote.

A social media user said that the picture says what Kohli has earned in his career.

“This picture says it all...!!!! This is what he has earned,” a fan wrote on X.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Breaks Shikhar Dhawan's Record To Register Unique Feat In IPL History

Another user hailed the fan who invaded the pitch for living every Kohli fan's dream.

“Bro is living the dream of every Virat Kohli fan,” the user wrote on X.

RCB To Face CSK In Upcoming Fixture

It was Virat Kohli's 59-run knock that architected RCB's win over KKR at Eden Gardens. In their upcoming fixture, the Bengaluru-based franchise will take on Chennai Super Kings on March 28 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.