Yesterday was a day most Indian cricket fans would want to forget. The Men in Blue suffered a tough loss, and despite a brilliant, gritty century from KL Rahul (112*), his efforts went in vain as the team fell short. Even the run-machine Virat Kohli, who has been in otherworldly form lately, had a rare off day, walking back to the pavilion for a meagre score of 23.
But amidst the gloom of defeat and the tension of the chase, one moment stole the show, and it had nothing to do with a bat or ball.
During the second innings, with New Zealand cruising and India desperately hunting for wickets, the high-pressure atmosphere was suddenly pierced. A determined fan managed to dodge the heavy security, leap over the barricades, and sprint onto the field. His target wasn't the stumps; it was his idol, his "King," Virat Kohli.
In such a tense situation, players usually panic or back away. But not Kohli. As the security officials scrambled in panic, Kohli didn't push the intruder away. Instead, he stood his ground and shared a short-lived, genuine side-hug with the young man who had risked it all just to meet him in the flesh.
During the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI, a fan of Virat Kohli jumped the fence at the Rajkot Stadium to meet him.
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 14, 2026
The security personnels caught the fan and beat him badly. 😅😭 pic.twitter.com/QrdnJeHo7e
When the security personnel finally grabbed the fan to drag him off, Kohli immediately intervened. He gestured for them to go light and handle the boy with care. It was a fleeting moment, but it spoke volumes. It showed that while runs, wickets and results matter, the King never forgets his people. India might have lost the match, but Virat Kohli won hearts all over again.