Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli recently became the centre of unexpected social media attention after a verified Instagram account liked a photo of Bollywood actress Avneet Kaur posted by a fan page.

The incident quickly went viral, prompting a range of reactions—from light-hearted memes to speculation about the cricketer’s intent.

The liked photo, posted on April 30, featured Avneet in a chic green crop top and printed wrap skirt during a Goa vacation. Fans were quick to spot Kohli’s username among the likes on May 1, just a day after he shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to his wife, actress Anushka Sharma. The timing sparked even more interest and led to speculation about the nature of the interaction.

Virat Kohli Instagram

On May 2, Kohli addressed the issue through an Instagram Story, where he stated that, “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.”

The like was later removed from the post. However, the internet was already abuzz. Fans and critics alike flooded social media with screenshots, tagging Anushka Sharma and even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in jest, demanding an explanation or mocking the idea of an "algorithmic slip."

Did Virat Kohli Really Like A Fan Page Picture Of Avneet Kaur [Source: @Rohit_Samrat45 and AP Photos]

Despite Kohli’s clarification, the online frenzy hasn’t completely died down. Some users questioned whether such a glitch was plausible, while others took a humorous route, creating memes that quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The incident highlights how even minor digital interactions by public figures can spiral into viral moments, sparking debate, memes, and sometimes, a need for public clarification.