On December 17, 2025, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli found himself at the epicenter of a social media storm following an encounter at Mumbai airport. Arriving with his wife, Anushka Sharma, the couple was surrounded by tight security as they made their way to a waiting car. In the midst of the chaos, a young fan, later identified as differently-abled, approached the cricketer with a request for a photograph. However, Kohli continued walking without making eye contact or acknowledging the boy’s plea, an act that was captured on video and instantly broadcast across the globe.
Did Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma disrespect a physically challenged fan? Video from Mumbai Airport sparks controversy
The incident unfolded just as Kohli and Anushka were returning from a deeply spiritual visit to the ashram of Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan, a trip that had previously earned them widespread praise for their humility. As the couple stepped into the crowded terminal, the atmosphere was thick with paparazzi and fans eager for a glimpse of the superstar. The viral footage shows a young fan, struggling to keep pace with the swift movement of the security detail, extending his phone in hopes of a selfie with his idol.
Despite the fan’s proximity and visible effort, Kohli appeared to maintain a stern focus on reaching his vehicle, guided by his security team who were actively clearing a path through the throng. While such rapid exits are common for celebrities in high-security zones like airports to prevent overcrowding or safety hazards, the optics of bypassing a vulnerable admirer struck a chord with those watching the clip.
Observers noted that the cricketer did not offer even a brief nod or a word of acknowledgment, leading to accusations that his public persona of vinamra (humility) did not match his actions in that moment. The juxtaposition of his recent spiritual journey with this perceived lack of empathy created a narrative that many found difficult to reconcile, turning a routine airport transit into a significant PR crisis.
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Within hours of the video’s release, social media platforms were flooded with a polarized mix of outrage and staunch defense, highlighting the immense pressure under which global icons operate. Critics were quick to trend hashtags like “Rude Kohli,” with many users expressing deep disappointment and labeling the behavior as “insensitive” and “disgusting,” particularly given the fan’s physical challenges. Comments such as ‘What is the point of visiting a spiritual guru if you cannot show kindness to a child?” became common refrains, suggesting a level of hypocrisy in his public conduct.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Virat Kohli’s actions don’t reflect the values he showed when he met Premanand Maharaj.
– A physically challenged fan was pushed away while Kohli just arrogantly walked off. 💔 pic.twitter.com/we2vHzDRU1
— ` (@arrestshubman) December 16, 2025
So finally the truth came out all those spiritual visits of Kohli was to fool Indians
You will never see Dhoni or Rohit treating his fans like how Kohli arrogantly pushed away that physically challenged fan pic.twitter.com/2zKyWM3jo8
— 𝙼𝚛.𝚅𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊™ (@Shivayaaah) December 17, 2025
What an arrogant behaviour from Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/iRkGa5PbXH
— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) December 16, 2025
Anushka is laughing at this behavior 😭 pic.twitter.com/sEjHiN9zJF
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) December 17, 2025
Look how A disabled fan was treated like nothing and Kohli just walked off. This is what arrogance looks like. Shameful behavior! pic.twitter.com/cdz9oUALwf
— O2 (@ChaiiyyPiii) December 17, 2025
How insensitive to do that to a child! @imVkohli is just full of himself, he and his wife @AnushkaSharma think they’re God! https://t.co/oveLNxHpY5
— Varthika (@VarthikaSingh) December 17, 2025
Gambhir pls remove him from India squad
A man who disrespect his fans never play for his country @GautamGambhir https://t.co/EkrXJTNiAD
— SURIYA jaibhim (@SuriyaJaibhim) December 17, 2025
This is celebrity reverence at peak! Kohli is not obliged to wait for someone to take a selfie, his time /family etc. But he didn’t even give a nod or look at the guy. Stop making them heroes, he will do it if he is getting paid, you are an unknown to him. They don’t respect you. https://t.co/6nmZRI6NKT
— R P G (@1Unshackle1) December 17, 2025
Not a good human being, although the best cricketer! All in drain then….!!! https://t.co/IBMQPSFZI5
— a dynamic British🇬🇧 citizen (Bharat origin 🇮🇳) (@dynamicsach) December 16, 2025
I don’t understand when they dnt treat you like a human why to run behind them? Yeh toh phir global icon
Log bb k contestant ke peeche baghte hai Bhikari ki tarha dusre cities mein
Virat refused a selfie to our Jawan
Tab se i have zero respect for him https://t.co/0lrHB2lSyg
— Winner 🏆 💥 (@newterminator1) December 17, 2025
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