
April 17, 2026 – In the world of Indian cricket, even a thumb slip can become a national headline. Indian batting legend and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli has found himself at the center of a social media whirlwind after netizens spotted his account “liking” a bold photograph of German-South African influencer Lizzalazz.
The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, has sent the internet into a frenzy of memes, jokes, and light-hearted speculation. While Kohli continues to dominate on the field during the ongoing IPL 2026 season, his off-field digital activity has once again triggered the infamous “algorithm” debate.
The buzz began when eagle-eyed fans noticed a “like” from Virat Kohli’s official verified Instagram handle on a recent post by Jennifer, popularly known as Lizzalazz. The photo in question featured the influencer in a bold avatar, and within minutes, screenshots were circulating across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.
As the screenshots went viral, the narrative quickly shifted from the photo itself to the potential domestic consequences for the cricketer. Netizens, known for their quick wit and penchant for “Virushka” content, began joking that Kohli’s wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, might not be too pleased with the interaction.
The reaction from fans was swift and largely humorous. Social media platforms were flooded with memes featuring Anushka Sharma’s famous movie expressions, with captions suggesting she was waiting for Virat at home with some tough questions.
While some fans defended the cricketer, stating that a ‘like’ is often just a mindless scroll-by action, others were quick to point out that this isn’t the first time Kohli has faced such a “digital glitch.”
This incident has brought back memories of a similar controversy from 2025. Last year, Kohli’s account was spotted liking a post by Indian actress Avneet Kaur. At the time, the cricketer had reportedly clarified that the interaction was unintentional, citing a mistake made while clearing his feed or an error in the app’s algorithm.
“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,” Kohli had reportedly stated during the previous incident.
Consequently, “Algorithm” has become a trending keyword once again, with fans using it as a punchline to describe any accidental social media activity by the star.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Lizzalazz (Jennifer) is a prominent German-South African travel vlogger and singer who has built a massive following in India. She is well-known for her culturally relatable content, specifically her viral track “Samosa Samosa” and her vlogs exploring the street food of Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Interestingly, Jennifer has previously expressed her admiration for Kohli. In a past interview, she named him as her favorite cricketer and expressed her support for his team, RCB. This connection has only added fuel to the fire, as fans wonder if the “like” was truly accidental or a nod to a high-profile supporter.
The timing of this social media storm is particularly ironic, given Kohli’s stellar form in the IPL 2026. Just days ago, he played a crucial knock of 49 runs off 34 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants, helping RCB secure a vital win. He currently remains one of the top contenders for the Orange Cap, proving that his focus on the pitch remains razor-sharp despite the noise surrounding his personal life.
| Recent Match Performance | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| vs. Lucknow Super Giants | 49 | 34 | 144.12 |
| vs. Mumbai Indians | 50 | 38 | 131.58 |
| vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad | 69 | 38 | 181.58 |
This episode highlights the intense level of scrutiny faced by global icons like Virat Kohli. With over 260 million followers on Instagram, every action—from a follow to a like—is tracked by bots and fans alike. In the digital age, a “double-tap” is no longer just a private gesture of appreciation; it is a public statement that can be deconstructed by millions in seconds.
While the “Virushka” fans continue to make light of the situation, the incident serves as a reminder of the thin line public figures walk between their personal interests and their public personas. Whether it was a genuine appreciation for a fan’s content, a mindless scroll, or the much-maligned “algorithm,” one thing is for sure: King Kohli continues to rule the headlines, both on and off the 22 yards.
Neither Virat Kohli nor Anushka Sharma have issued an official statement regarding the recent buzz. For now, the internet remains content with its memes, waiting to see if the “Algorithm” defense makes a formal comeback.