In a surprising turn of events, the internet erupted this weekend following an unexpected controversy involving Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli and television actress-turned-social media influencer Avneet Kaur. What began as a seemingly innocent interaction on social media has now become the center of attention, drawing reactions from fans, celebrities, and media outlets alike.
The Incident
The controversy began when Avneet Kaur posted a reel on Instagram late Friday night, captioned: “When legends notice you, it’s a different high 🏏✨”. The post featured a screenshot of what appeared to be Virat Kohli liking one of her dance videos. While such interactions are common in the age of social media, the presence of a cricketing legend in the comments section of a Gen Z influencer’s page immediately caught the attention of netizens.
Things took a sharp turn when a few Twitter users alleged that the like was accidental and that Kohli later unliked the post. Screenshots claiming to show before-and-after states of the interaction went viral. This sparked speculation about whether the cricketer’s account had been compromised or if it was an innocent slip of the finger.
Kohli’s Clarification
On Saturday evening, Kohli took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a brief statement:
“Social media is full of assumptions. Please don’t read too much into things that aren’t intentional. Let’s focus on cricket and spreading positivity. 🙏 #RespectEveryone”
His post neither confirmed nor denied the incident, but emphasized the importance of privacy and respect in the public domain.
Avneet Kaur Responds
In response to growing speculation, Avneet posted an Instagram story saying:
“I have immense respect for Virat Sir. I never meant to stir controversy or gain attention. Let’s stop dragging people unnecessarily.”
Her story appeared to be an attempt to calm the situation and distance herself from the online noise. However, the damage had already been done — the controversy had exploded across platforms, with hashtags like #KohliAvneet and #SocialMediaSlip trending on X and Instagram.
Public Reactions and Media Frenzy
The online reaction was divided. While some fans defended Kohli and labeled the incident as “blown out of proportion,” others criticized influencers for using celebrity interactions to gain clout. Bollywood actor Richa Chadha also weighed in, tweeting:
“Everyone calm down. A like is just a like. Not a scandal.”
Several media outlets have since reached out to both camps, though no interviews have been granted so far.
Broader Discussion on Privacy and Social Media Ethics
The incident has sparked a broader debate on the responsibilities of celebrities and influencers in the digital age. Experts in digital behavior have weighed in, noting how public figures are constantly scrutinized for even the smallest online actions.
Dr. Meena Iyer, a digital psychologist, stated in a panel discussion on NDTV:
“We live in an era where every click is analyzed. There’s a need for healthier digital discourse, especially when reputations are at stake.”
Conclusion
As the dust begins to settle, the Kohli–Avneet controversy serves as a reminder of how quickly narratives can spiral in the age of social media. While both parties have addressed the matter with dignity, the episode highlights the need for more thoughtful engagement online — both from celebrities and the audiences who follow them.
