Security officials catch a pitch invader during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 cricket match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. (PTI)

A fan breached security at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday. The young supporter ran onto the field to touch stand-in captain Riyan Parag’s feet while he was bowling.
The incident occurred in the second innings as KKR were chasing 152 runs. The fan managed to reach Parag, touched his feet, and hugged him before security personnel intervened and removed him from the field.
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This match marked Parag’s first appearance as IPL captain in his home state of Assam. He is leading RR for the initial three matches due to regular captain Sanju Samson’s finger injury.
Samson played in both this match and RR’s season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but only as a batter. The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence cleared him for batting but advised against wicketkeeping, leading to his role as an Impact Player.
This was the season’s second pitch invasion incident. The first occurred at Eden Gardens during the KKR-Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener when a fan entered the field to meet Virat Kohli. That individual was arrested and banned from the stadium for the remainder of the season.

The incident highlighted Parag’s popularity in Assam, as he is the state’s first IPL cricketer. Rajasthan Royals’ decision to schedule two matches in Guwahati appears strategic, suggesting they view him as a potential successor to Samson.
Parag’s performance in the match was mixed. He scored a quick 25 runs off 15 balls batting at number three but fell to Varun Chakaravarthy at a crucial moment. His bowling figures were 25 runs from four overs without any wickets.
Rajasthan Royals remain without a win in IPL 2025. Their next match is against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30.