The Virat Kohli Paradox: From Adoration to Outrage in 36 Hours

The world of cricket is no stranger to controversy, but the recent turn of events surrounding Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has left fans and critics alike in a state of utter bewilderment. On Tuesday night, Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made history by lifting the IPL championship trophy for the first time in 18 long years. The news sent shockwaves of joy across the nation, with fans and well-wishers showering Kohli with admiration and adoration. Many even went as far as to demand the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.

A Hero’s Welcome

For a brief period, Kohli was the undisputed king of Indian cricket, with his name on everyone’s lips. Fans and critics alike were unanimous in their praise, hailing him as the ultimate champion of IPL 2025. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of congratulations, with many sharing clips of his on-field dedication and declaring the trophy a tribute to his long and arduous journey with RCB. The hashtag #ViratKohli trended on social media, with over 3.5 lakh posts pouring in from all corners of the globe.

From Cheers to Ridicule

However, the tide of public opinion turned swiftly, as reports emerged of a fatal stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of the victorious RCB team. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left 30 others injured. As the news spread, social media platforms were abuzz with outrage, with many criticizing Kohli for his perceived lack of sympathy towards the victims. The hashtag #ArrestKohli began trending, with thousands of users demanding that the cricket icon be held accountable for the tragedy.

The Backlash

Detractors wasted no time in circulating AI-generated images depicting Kohli against backgrounds of bloodstains or behind bars. The social media posts were scathing, with many questioning Kohli’s decision to leave for London immediately after the victory, without stopping to console the families of the victims. "Did Virat Kohli meet the family members of the fans who died? Couldn’t he have delayed his London flight to console those loyal supporters’ families? How can he be this inhuman? SHAME ON RCB #ArrestKohli," wrote one user.

Another user posted: "Many innocent people died in a stampede here. @imVkohli—who earned fame, love and fortune in India—chose to quietly fly to London. No brand should feature this runaway. When the nation mourns, he vanishes. Selfishness isn’t stardom." The derogatory nickname "Chokli" was revived, with over 24,000 social media posts using the term between Wednesday evening and Friday evening, according to social-media analytics firm Talkwalker.

The Pushback

However, Kohli’s loyal fans were quick to launch a counter-campaign, with the hashtag "WE LOVE YOU KOHLI" trending on social media. The phrase featured in over 1.5 lakh posts till 1 pm on Friday, as fans and supporters rallied around their beloved hero. The pushback was a testament to the enduring loyalty and admiration that Kohli commands, despite the controversy surrounding him.

The Virat Kohli Paradox

The dramatic shift in public opinion, from adoration to outrage, has left many pondering the complexities of the Virat Kohli paradox. How can a single individual evoke such extreme emotions, ranging from admiration to anger, in a matter of hours? The answer lies in the intricacies of human nature, where perceptions and emotions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including media narratives, social media influencers, and personal biases.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Virat Kohli remains an enigmatic figure, capable of inspiring both devotion and disdain. The controversy surrounding him has sparked a national debate, with many questioning the responsibilities of celebrities and the media’s role in shaping public opinion. As we navigate the complexities of this paradox, one thing is certain: the love-hate relationship between Virat Kohli and the Indian public will continue to be a fascinating spectacle, full of twists and turns.

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About the Author

This article was published by Akshat Trivedi on June 6, 2025.

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Content originally published by www.indiatoday.in