A digitally altered image showing Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli seemingly signing a Pakistan jersey has been making rounds on social media, quickly going viral. The deceptive post claimed, “Virat Kohli spotted giving autographs to a Pakistani fan in Perth, Australia.”
Social media post: Virat Kohli was depicted as signing a Pakistan jersey in Perth. (Image: X)
However, a thorough fact-check confirms that the image is indeed modified. Virat Kohli did not sign a Pakistan jersey during Team India’s recent arrival in Perth for a three-match ODI series in Australia. The viral image is a fabrication.
The original footage reveals Kohli exiting his hotel, stowing his cricket gear onto the team bus, and then graciously approaching a fan. The fan presented a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey for an autograph, which Kohli happily signed, before moving on to sign more fan merchandise.
Virat Kohli signed a Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey in Perth, Australia. (Image: X)
Kohli and the rest of the Indian cricket team have commenced their rigorous preparations in Perth. They are gearing up for an anticipated tour of Australia, which includes three One Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals, set to kick off this Sunday. This marks their return to international play since the Champions Trophy 2025 final against Australia.
Kohli was notably energetic during the practice sessions, consistently finding the middle of his bat in the nets, showcasing his impressive batting form. Fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were also seen actively warming up for the white-ball series.
The squad had departed from Delhi on Wednesday morning, with batting stalwarts Kohli and Rohit joining the team in the capital before their flight to Australia.
The series itinerary features three ODIs: the first match at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, followed by the second and third ODIs on October 23 and 25. The five-match T20I series will take place between October 29 and November 8.
Players spotted at the Delhi airport prior to departure included captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna.
India’s ODI Squad for Australia Tour:
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India’s T20I Squad for Australia Tour:
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Players: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar.