AUS vs IND: Pitch invader’s brazen attempt to hug Virat Kohli ends in police custody

In the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25), both Australia and India had a very exciting second day. One of the instances that stood out as the game’s high point was when a fan ran into the pitch in the direction of the Indian slip cordon.

The supporter sprinted directly at India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who escaped, but then went to Virat Kohli.

The former captain of India maintained his composure and resisted the intruder until the security guards arrived. The fan was photographed with a blue blouse that bore the Ukrainian flag’s words, “Free.” The Victoria cops also stepped forward and issued a statement stating that they had charged the fan after the cops took him into custody.

After being captured by security, he was turned over to police for questioning. The 25-year-old male from NSW is accused of trespassing and entering a sporting event venue to interfere with play, as per the Major Sporting Events Act 67(2). His appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 3, 2025, has been granted bail,” the announcement said.

An intruder entered the pitch at the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

Although the police did not disclose the intruder’s identity, it has been reported based on photos that the invader was the same individual who ran onto the pitch during the India vs. Australia ODI World Cup 2023 final at Narendra Modi Stadium. He also had a Free Palestine shirt on at the time.

The fan has a history of committing crimes, and last year at the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup in Australia, she even ran onto the pitch. He also shared his experience of running into Virat Kohli again and shared some photos from their encounter at the MCG.