Virat Kohli, one of cricket's biggest stars, has found himself at the center of a social media controversy, not for his remarkable performances on the field, but for an accidental like on an Instagram post. The incident involved a picture of TV actress Avneet Kaur, which Kohli later attributed to a glitch in the Instagram algorithm. However, this explanation did little to quell the uproar that ensued, drawing criticism from various corners, including singer Rahul Vaidya.
The situation escalated when Vaidya, in a video, mocked Kohli's clarification and referred to him as a "joker." This remark did not sit well with Kohli's fans, who took to social media to defend their idol, launching a barrage of criticism against Vaidya. In the midst of this online chaos, Kohli's brother, Vikas Kohli, stepped in to defend him, condemning Vaidya's comments as insensitive, especially given the current geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
Vikas Kohli expressed his frustration on social media, stating, "Bache, itni mehnat agar apni singing pai karle toh shayad apni mehnat se famous ho jaaye. While the whole nation is focused on the current situation of what's going on… this idiot is on a mission to gain followers and become famous taking Virat’s name… WHAT A LOSER." His comments highlighted the absurdity of Vaidya's involvement in the controversy, particularly during a time of national concern.
The incident began on May 2, 2025, when Kohli's accidental like on Kaur's bold photo was noticed by fans, leading to a wave of trolling. Despite quickly removing the like, the damage was done, and Kohli felt compelled to clarify the situation. He stated, "I’d like to clarify that while clearing my feed, it appears the algorithm may have mistakenly registered an interaction. There was absolutely no intent behind it. I request that no unnecessary assumptions be made. Thank you for your understanding." This statement, however, only fueled further ridicule from Vaidya.
In his video response, Vaidya claimed that Kohli had blocked him on Instagram, suggesting that this too was a result of an algorithm glitch. "So guys, Virat Kohli has blocked me, as you all know. I think that too is an Instagram glitch. Instagram ke algorithm ne bola hoga Virat Kohli ko ki, ‘Ek kaam kar, main tere behalf pe Rahul Vaidya ko block kardeti hoon.’ Hain na?" His comments drew ire from Kohli's supporters, who felt that Vaidya was unnecessarily dragging their hero into a petty feud for personal gain.
The backlash against Vaidya was swift, with many fans expressing their outrage on social media. This led to Vaidya revealing that he and his wife had received abusive messages from Kohli's supporters following his initial comments. He lamented the situation, noting how the trolling had escalated beyond reasonable bounds. Despite the criticism directed at him, Vaidya continued to poke fun at Kohli, further igniting the tensions.
Vikas Kohli's defense of his brother was not a one-off incident. He has previously come to Virat's aid, notably slamming former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar for questioning the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batters' strike rates in the IPL. His protective stance towards Virat showcases the deep familial loyalty that exists amidst the pressures of public life.
As the controversy unfolded, Kohli continued to perform exceptionally well in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. He has amassed 505 runs in 11 matches, boasting a strike rate of 143.47 and hitting seven half-centuries, all contributing to RCB's strong position in the tournament. With the team currently sitting in second place on the points table, Kohli's performance has been a silver lining amidst the social media turmoil.
Looking ahead, Kohli and RCB are set to face the Lucknow Super Giants on May 9, 2025. A victory in this match would secure their spot in the playoffs, further solidifying Kohli's status as a pivotal player in the tournament.
The situation serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny athletes face in the digital age, where every action can be amplified and scrutinized by millions. Kohli's accidental like, which might have been a minor incident, spiraled into a significant controversy, illustrating how quickly public perception can shift in the age of social media.
As the cricketing world watches closely, it remains to be seen how Kohli will navigate this latest challenge. Will he continue to let his bat do the talking, or will he address the controversy head-on? For now, his focus appears to be on the game, and with his current form, he seems poised for further success on the field.
