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Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli’s Alleged Support for Tejashwi Yadav Debunked as Fabrication
A viral social media post claiming that cricket star Virat Kohli made statements supporting former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav following the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s defeat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections has been revealed as false after thorough investigation.
The fabricated statement, which began circulating on November 23, 2025, claimed Kohli had said: “This defeat is not of Tejashwi Yadav or Rahul Gandhi, but this defeat is of those Biharis who leave their families and go outside Bihar to earn a living, this defeat is of those youth who knock door to door for employment.”
Fact-checking organization Vishvas News conducted a comprehensive investigation into the claim and found no evidence supporting its authenticity. Researchers performed keyword searches across Kohli’s official social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, finding no trace of such statements.
Sports analyst and commentator Syed Hussain, when consulted about the viral claim, immediately dismissed it as fabrication, confirming that Kohli had made no such political commentary regarding the Bihar election results.
The false statement appears to be an attempt to leverage Kohli’s immense popularity and influence to create political narratives in the aftermath of Bihar’s hotly contested election. The election results, announced on November 14, saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 89 seats and its ally Janata Dal (United) winning 85 seats, while the RJD managed only 25 seats and Congress secured just six.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in India’s political landscape, particularly following significant electoral events. Celebrities and sports icons are frequently targeted in such campaigns, with fabricated statements attributed to them to lend credibility to political narratives or to sway public opinion.
The Instagram account responsible for propagating this false claim has approximately 38,300 followers, demonstrating how accounts with substantial followings can become vectors for misinformation if users don’t verify information before sharing.
Digital media experts have repeatedly warned about the proliferation of false information during election cycles. With social media platforms becoming primary sources of news for many Indians, the speed at which misinformation spreads has accelerated dramatically in recent years.
This pattern of celebrity impersonation and false attribution has become increasingly common in India’s digital space. Political entities and their supporters often attempt to associate well-known personalities with their causes to gain legitimacy or sympathy.
The Election Commission of India and various fact-checking organizations have been working to combat such misinformation, but the challenges remain significant given the vast social media landscape and the emotional engagement that often accompanies political content.
Kohli, who maintains a largely apolitical public persona focused on his cricket career, has not responded to this specific falsification. Like many prominent sports figures in India, he typically avoids making partisan political statements that could divide his fan base or create controversy.
The incident serves as a reminder for social media users to verify information from credible sources before accepting or sharing content, particularly when it involves public figures allegedly making political statements.
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6 Comments
Interesting that this claim about Virat Kohli endorsing a politician turned out to be false. It’s good to see fact-checking organizations like Vishvas News investigating viral social media posts and debunking misinformation. Responsible reporting is crucial these days.
The mining and commodities sectors are closely watched, so it’s important to verify claims about industry leaders or influencers before spreading them. This case shows how easy it is for false information to go viral these days. Kudos to the fact-checkers for setting the record straight.
Fabricated stories about mining or energy industry leaders endorsing political candidates are concerning. It’s good to see the media investigating such claims thoroughly. Maintaining trust in our institutions and public figures is crucial, especially in the commodities sector.
This fact check is a good reminder to be skeptical of unverified claims, especially those involving high-profile individuals. Responsible journalism is essential to combat the spread of misinformation, which can be particularly problematic in specialized sectors like mining and energy.
Glad to see Kohli didn’t get involved in this political controversy. As a prominent public figure, he’s wise to avoid making partisan statements that could alienate some of his fans. Better to focus on his cricket career and inspiring the next generation of players.
This fact check highlights the need for critical thinking when consuming news and social media. We should all be more discerning about unverified claims, especially those involving public figures. Responsible journalism is essential to combat the spread of misinformation.