New Delhi (Web Desk): Indian captain Virat Kohli’s die heart fan, a retired railway employee, Babubal Bairva set himself on fire reportedly after the captain was dismissed for just five runs in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday.
According to Indian media, the 65-year-old was disappointed with Kohli’s performance and hence decided on self-immolation. The railway employee incurred burns on his head, face and hands.
The police said that Bairva was watching the first Test alone in his room. And when Kohli was out, he allegedly poured kerosene and burned himself. The railway employee’s family members and neighbours raced towards him to put out the fire as soon as they heard his cries of pain.
After Bairva was taken to a district hospital, his condition was declared stable. The Do Batti Police Station Assistant Sub Inspector PS Alawa said that Bairva wasn’t inebriated during the incident.
A case has been filed at the Do Batti Police Station and further investigation is under process.
The third day of the first Test between India and South Africa was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain on Sunday. No play was possible in the morning or post-lunch sessions. Finally, around 3:30 pm local time, close to the scheduled start time of post-tea session, the day was called off.
There will be 98 overs bowled on days four and five with bright sunshine predicted for the remainder of the game. Despite the loss of an entire day, a result is still very much possible in this match.
South Africa ended Day 2 at 65/2, leading India by 142 runs.