DEL vs RLY | Twitter reacts as Kohli fails to evade pitch invader falling to his feet on Ranji return

Despite India currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against England with the affair well poised at 2-1 in the hosts' favour ahead of the fourth encounter in Pune on Friday, it has been a retired name absent from the squad list that has dominated headlines of late. Last week, Delhi head coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed to the media that Virat Kohli would return to the Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2012, for their final group stage meeting against Railway beginning January 30, as the team found itself in a must-win position to have any chance of qualifying. Since, broadcasters have made last-minute arrangements with the Delhi Cricket Association while fans flocked to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in what otherwise have had empty stands much like any other Ranji Trophy encounter. However, for all the hype and support, the 36-year-old was also the victim of unwanted attention from fans which fortunately did not take a turn for the worse on Thursday.

Money Grewal was on the top of his mark in the 12th over and had only just began his run-up when he saw someone steaming past much quicker and stopped in his track. A fan had come running after evading security and everyone looked on curiously as he made his way to the slip cordon to Kohli who was clearly expecting something such. Even as the veteran tried to shuffle backwards hoping to avoid interaction, the fan paid no heed and fell to Kohli's feet much to the batter's embarrassment. Much to Kohli's relief, security personnel arrived almost immediately to carry him off and the legend offered thanks in response.

Twitterati was quick to react to the incident.

Emotions flowing

Security breach

Superstar

Trespassed

Invasion

Touching

Talk about it

Sad

Run and meet 

Whisked away