IND vs SA 2025: Fan gets arrested after touching Virat Kohli's feet in 1st ODI

Soubhik Murmu, a first-year undergraduate student of Kabikankan Mukundaram Mahavidyalay in Kesabpur, Arambagh, in Hooghly district, touched Virat Kohli's feet during the first ODI at the JSCA International Sports Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. After the former India captain slammed his 52nd ODI ton, Soubhik breached multiple layers of security and rushed towards his idol. Once he reached Kohli, he dropped down to his knees and touched the legendary cricketer's feet.

He was subsequently arrested, and now, his father, Samar Murmu, has contacted the local BJP MLA and the party’s Arambagh district president, Biman Ghosh, to help secure his son’s bail.

“I received a call from an officer of Jharkhand police on Sunday evening. An officer informed me that my son had breached security and reached Virat Kohli. They said it was a crime and that is why Soubhik has been arrested. I am shocked and worried that he is arrested," the father, a traditional medicine practitioner residing in Madhurpur village, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

“I told the police officer that my son was mad about cricket and a die-hard fan of Virat Kohli. I believe whatever he did was without any intention to harm anyone and result of his pure love for his dream cricketer. However, they are saying my son may have to go to jail,” the father added.

According to Soubhik's mother, Mangali, his son decided to grow his hair and promised not to cut it till he met Kohli. Soubhik also has a younger sister, who goes to school. Last year, the youngster cycled to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai to watch an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter in which Kohli was playing.

Samar revealed that Soubhik wanted to become a professional cricketer, but he told his son that he wouldn't be able to bear the expenses.

While the news of Soubhik's arrest has stunned the Murmu family, they are leaving no stone unturned in trying to bring their son back home.

“I have already sent a person from here and contacted the authorities concerned in Ranchi through our party workers. He is an energetic boy and a die-hard fan of Virat Kohli. We are trying our best to secure his bail at the earliest,” Biman Ghosh said.

Kohli played a brilliant knock in the first ODI, scoring 135 off 120 balls. His knock helped India post a mammoth 349/8 after Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field first. In reply, the Proteas were bowled out for 332 in the last over as the Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.