India concluded their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday with a commanding 60-run victory over Bangladesh in their only warm-up match, held at Nassau County.
Rishabh Pant shone with the bat for Rohit Sharma’s side, propelling them to a solid total of 182/5. In response, six different Indian bowlers contributed to restricting Bangladesh to 122/9 in 20 overs.
However, the game was disrupted by a pitch invader during the second innings. An Indian supporter, dressed in blue, ran onto the field and hugged Rohit Sharma, with security close behind. Unlike the typical response in the subcontinent, the American security forces tackled the fan to the ground and handcuffed him, using considerable force.
Rohit, initially relieved by the intervention, soon showed concern and pleaded with the security to be gentle. When his requests were ignored, he called for support staff from the dugout to help, and eventually, the fan was escorted away more calmly.
The fan who breached the field and hugged Rohit Sharma was taken down by the USA police.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 1, 2024
– Rohit requested the officers to go easy on them. pic.twitter.com/MWWCNeF3U2
The incident drew attention on Twitter, where users noted the contrasting handling of pitch invaders in the U.S. and praised Rohit for his compassionate response.