The Pressure of Digital Presence in Cricket
Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have become increasingly active on social media, with their digital teams constantly following the players. While this has helped teams gain more views and expand their fan base, it has also created challenges for the cricketers. Virat Kohli, one of India’s most famous celebrities, has expressed his concerns about this growing trend. His marriage to Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma has made him a favorite subject for paparazzi and media attention.
To escape the constant scrutiny of cameras and fans, Kohli has moved his base to London. He only returns to India for international matches and the Indian Premier League. Despite this move, he has not been able to completely avoid the pressures of the digital age.
Kohli’s Concerns About the Culture of Content Creation
Kohli recently spoke about the disturbing nature of content culture, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach. In an interview on the RCB podcast, he said:
“I love the pressure that comes with the game, but not the pressure of anything else.”
He acknowledged the importance of social media and fan engagement but believes the process needs to be more streamlined. Kohli pointed out that the growth of fan pages and clubs for IPL franchises has taken time, and it wasn’t as straightforward from the start.
With the current demand for continuous coverage on digital platforms, Kohli feels that the pressure to be filmed can impact a player’s preparation for matches like the IPL.
“When you go out for practice, there are six cameras following you. It is not a comfortable feeling,” he explained.
Kohli emphasized the need for freedom to work on his game without constant filming. He believes that if everything is recorded, it becomes difficult to try new things, as every action is scrutinized and could lead to discussions about his training methods.
“You should be judged on your performance, not on how you prepare for a game. No one has the right to judge me on what I am doing behind the scenes.”
A Need for Clear Guidelines
Kohli stressed the importance of setting clear rules and regulations to ensure players’ comfort. He believes that officials and digital teams should consider whether a player is okay with being filmed.
“We need to draw a line. It is important to understand whether a player is okay with being filmed. I think these things need to be taken into account because it is getting too much.”
Kohli shared an instance where he was having a serious conversation with Kane Williamson, who is associated with the Lucknow Super Giants in the 19th season. During the conversation, a robotic dog named Champak started interfering.
“I was talking to Kane, who is my friend. We were having a serious conversation, and I saw a hand-waving gesture of a dog. I told the guy operating it to take him away. I can’t have a conversation with Kane without it being filmed. I need a space to talk to Kane freely.”
Kohli added that even simple interactions, such as talking to someone from the dressing room to the field, have become problematic.
Focus on Winning and Performance
Despite these challenges, Kohli remains focused on helping the Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their second consecutive title. He recently scored a hundred against the Kolkata Knight Riders, adding to his impressive record of nine centuries in the tournament’s history and 14,000 runs in the shortest format of the game.
In the ongoing season, Kohli has crossed the 400-run mark and is one of the favorites to win the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League 2026.
RCB have made it to the playoffs after winning eight matches. If they win their remaining two contests, the Rajat Patidar-led team will finish among the top two franchises.
