Misinformation spreads ahead of ODI series
As Team India prepares to face Australia in a three-match ODI series, a digitally altered image featuring Virat Kohli has created a stir online. The image, which quickly gained traction on platforms like X and Instagram, appears to show Kohli signing a Pakistan cricket jersey — a moment that, on the surface, suggested an unusual gesture ahead of a high-profile series.
The post was accompanied by the caption, “Virat Kohli spotted giving autographs to a Pakistani fan in Perth, Australia.” The image sparked thousands of reactions and shares, prompting widespread debate among cricket fans from both countries.
Virat Kohli spotted giving autographs to a Pakistani fan in Perth, Australia. 🫡❤️ pic.twitter.com/pGZ9s90oVw
— Zeeshan Nadeem (@Shani_7800) October 16, 2025
However, the truth behind the viral image tells a very different story.
Fact check reveals image manipulation
According to a report by the Times of India, the image had been digitally manipulated. In the original footage, Kohli can be seen signing a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey — not a Pakistan kit. The incident occurred outside the team hotel in Perth, where Kohli briefly interacted with fans and signed multiple RCB shirts before boarding the team bus.
Virat Kohli giving autograph to his fan who is from Karachi Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/MfVP2f2sSe
— Cricket Lovers (@Criclovers554) October 16, 2025
The viral photo replaced the RCB jersey with a Pakistan white-ball kit, creating a misleading narrative that quickly spiraled across social media.
Kohli’s return ignites fan frenzy in Perth
The jersey controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a celebratory return for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are making their comebacks to competitive cricket after nearly seven months. The upcoming ODI series will be their first international appearance since India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
In Perth, Kohli was seen in fine form during training sessions, spending nearly 40 minutes in the nets and facing deliveries from pacers including Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana. He also took part in fielding drills and appeared relaxed but focused, drawing cheers from fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of the Indian star.
Multiple members of India’s squad — including Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel — were spotted at the Delhi airport prior to departure, while head coach Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the support staff joined the team later in Perth.
India set for high-stakes series Down Under
The ODI series kicked off at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday, with fixtures on October 23 and 25 as well. It will be followed by a five-match T20I series beginning October 29.
Shubman Gill leads the ODI side, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to provide veteran firepower. The squad also includes Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, among others.
While Kohli’s global appeal often draws admiration beyond borders, the jersey incident serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age — even involving one of cricket’s most respected figures.
As the dust settles, focus now shifts to the on-field action where Kohli, refreshed and ready, will look to let his bat do the talking.
