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In a shocking turn of events, a deepfake video of Team India’s ace batter Virat Kohli has gone viral on social media, creating a stir among cricket fans. The video, which features glimpses of one of Kohli’s old interviews, has been doctored using artificial intelligence to make it appear as if Kohli is criticizing India’s top-order batter, Shubman Gill.
In the manipulated clip, a voice eerily similar to Kohli’s can be heard saying, “When we came back from Australia, I figured out what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I have been watching Gill closely. He is talented, no doubt but there’s a big difference between showing potential and becoming a legend. Gill’s technique is good, but we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”
The video continues with the voice stating, “People talk about the next Virat Kohli, but let me be clear, there’s only one Virat Kohli. I’ve played against the toughest bowlers in the most intense situations and done it consistently for over ten years. You can’t match that with just a few good games.”
The most controversial part of the deepfake is when the voice claims, “If I make the wrong decision, I sit outside and I clap all day. In Indian cricket, there’s the top level, and then there’s me. Gill still has a long way to go to reach that standard.”
Viral Deepfake of Virat Kohli Slamming Shubman Gill Shocks Fans
The video, while a deepfake, has caused confusion and concern among fans, with many expressing outrage over the misuse of technology to malign Kohli’s image and create unnecessary friction within the team.
This isn’t the first time Virat Kohli has fallen victim to AI manipulation. Earlier this year, digital fraudsters spread a deepfake video of Kohli promoting a betting app, sparking similar controversy. The growing prevalence of such technology has raised alarms about the potential for more serious implications, especially when it comes to public figures like Kohli.
As of now, neither Kohli nor Shubman Gill has publicly commented on the deepfake video, but the incident has certainly highlighted the need for stricter regulations and greater awareness of the dangers of AI misuse.
