Why Was Virat Kohli's Instagram Account Missing?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) Renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli's official Instagram profile was restored on Friday morning, after a brief absence that left fans confused and abuzz on social media.
On Thursday night, Kohli's verified Instagram account, which boasts an astounding 274 million followers, was suddenly rendered inaccessible, leading millions to speculate whether the profile had been deleted, deactivated, or was under temporary suspension.
Users trying to access Kohli’s handle encountered an error message indicating that the page was not available.
This unforeseen event sparked a flurry of speculation, particularly due to Kohli’s vast global following and his status as one of the most engaged athletes on social media. His Instagram account, famous for showcasing cricket updates, brand partnerships, fitness journeys, and family moments, has always served as a vital link to his fans.
Within moments of the account's disappearance, hashtags associated with Kohli began trending across various platforms. Supporters inundated X and fan forums with screenshots and theories, ranging from a potential voluntary social media break to a technical glitch on Instagram’s part. Some even conjectured about a hacking incident, although no evidence has surfaced to substantiate such claims.
Kohli, recognized as one of cricket’s most prominent figures globally, possesses one of the largest followings among athletes worldwide. His digital impact extends well beyond the cricket pitch, making the sudden absence of his account particularly conspicuous.
Recently, he regained the No. 1 ICC ODI batting ranking after a brilliant 124-run performance against New Zealand earlier this month, marking his 54th ODI century, before slipping to second place after Daryl Mitchell surpassed him in the ODI rankings.
Kohli made history by becoming India's top run-scorer against New Zealand in ODI history.
Over 35 ODIs against the Kiwis, Kohli has amassed 1,773 runs at an impressive average of 55.4, including six centuries and ten half-centuries, with a top score of 154. He eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 1,750 runs in 42 matches at an average of 46.05, with five hundreds and eight fifties.