Virat Kohli recently found himself at the center of unexpected social media chaos after reportedly liking a post from actress Avneet Kaur’s fan page. What followed was a whirlwind of memes, reactions, and a viral clarification that introduced a new Virat Kohli’s phrase into internet pop culture: “The algorithm mistakenly registered an interaction.”
A Like That Launched a Thousand Memes
What might’ve been just a brief digital interaction—maybe even a scroll slip—turned into headline fodder across platforms. On May 2nd, eagle-eyed Instagram users spotted a “liked by Virat Kohli” tag on a photo shared by a fan page dedicated to Avneet Kaur, the television actress and social media influencer.
While the like was removed soon after, screenshots had already spread across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram. Netizens didn’t waste a second. They jumped in with jokes, side-eyes, and memes, with many tagging Anushka Sharma, Virat’s wife, in comment sections, further fanning the flames.
Virat Kohli’s Statement: Polite, Vague, and Now Meme-Worthy
Amidst the rising speculation, Kohli addressed the incident on his Instagram stories without naming anyone directly. He wrote:
“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 clarification aimed to douse the fire. But the internet, as always, had other plans.
‘Registered an Interaction’ – The Meme Goldmine
What began as a defense quickly turned into a punchline. Social media latched onto the phrase “the algorithm mistakenly registered an interaction” like it was custom-made for 2025 meme culture. Within hours, “registered an interaction” was trending on X with memes using clips from Bollywood films, cricket commentaries, and office situations.
Here are a few user takes that went viral:
- “Kids: My account got hacked.
Men: My PR agent liked it.
Legend: Algorithm mistakenly registered an interaction.” - “When you’ve watched 100 reels in 10 minutes but only one interaction gets ‘registered’ — and it had to be Avneet’s.”
- “Software engineers reading Kohli’s story: That’s not how Instagram works, my guy.”
- Some users even joked that Kohli’s excuse sounded like corporate jargon for “Oops, my thumb slipped.”
Why This Blew Up: A Perfect Storm of Celebrity, Tech, and Timing
So why did something as small as a “like” explode into a meme fest?
First, Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer—he’s a public figure whose every move is under constant scrutiny. With over 265 million Instagram followers, his activity doesn’t go unnoticed. Second, Avneet Kaur enjoys a large fan following among Gen-Z, and the idea of a cricket legend liking her picture created the kind of fandom crossover the internet loves.
Lastly, the vague nature of the clarification—that subtly blamed the Instagram algorithm—just made things more entertaining. People found humor in the fact that even celebrities with media-trained teams now lean on algorithms as scapegoats.
Anushka Sharma and the Fan Reaction
Though Anushka Sharma remained tight-lipped about the incident, that didn’t stop fans from dragging her name into the trend. Comments under Avneet’s posts ranged from funny to borderline disrespectful, prompting some users to call out the overreaction.
Interestingly, the incident also sparked discussions about parasocial relationships, celebrity digital behavior, and how every tap, swipe, or like by a public figure is instantly scrutinized.
Not the First Time, Not the Last
This isn’t the first time a celebrity has gotten into trouble over a social media “like.” From politicians liking risqué content to actors following unexpected profiles, fans today are always watching.
In India, where cricket and film personalities are followed with cult-like devotion, the internet often forgets they’re humans capable of mistakes—or accidental taps. Kohli’s explanation, while technical, reminded us that even global icons aren’t immune to algorithm glitches—or clumsy thumbs.
The Real Question: Can the Algorithm Be Blamed?
Some skeptics, including self-identified software engineers, questioned the technical legitimacy of Kohli’s claim.
A viral tweet read:
“As a software engineer for 4 years, this is a completely senseless post!! Instagram would never register an interaction mistakenly. That’s not someone’s college project.”
While others gave Kohli the benefit of the doubt, it reignited a long-standing debate: How much control do users really have over their digital actions?
How Brands Are Capitalizing on It
It didn’t take long for brands to jump on the trend. One beverage company posted a cheeky Instagram reel with the caption:
“If you drink this, even the algorithm might ‘register an interaction.’”
Another food delivery app tweeted:
“Mistakenly registered a craving? We got you.”
It’s clear: Kohli’s words have made their way into the marketing lexicon faster than anyone could have expected.
In Retrospect: A Harmless Moment Turned Cultural Moment
At its core, this entire saga may have been a benign moment of digital mishap or misunderstanding. Yet it showcases the sheer power of internet culture in 2025. A single like—intentional or not—can spiral into a viral event, complete with public clarifications, meme threads, and brand campaigns.
More importantly, it reflects our evolving relationship with social media, celebrity, and digital responsibility.
Conclusion:
Virat Kohli’s supposed like on Avneet Kaur’s fan page may have vanished, but the waves it created online haven’t settled. From sparking hilarious memes to challenging our understanding of digital algorithms, the incident is now more than just a footnote—it’s a full-blown case study in modern internet culture.
