Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has spoken candidly about the constant media attention surrounding cricketers, saying that being followed by cameras all the time can become mentally exhausting and uncomfortable. His remarks have now sparked widespread discussion online about celebrity privacy and the pressures faced by modern athletes.
As per the reports of News18, speaking during a recent interaction, Kohli said that the continuous presence of cameras in playersâ lives often makes it difficult for them to feel normal in public spaces. âItâs not a comfortable feeling at all,â he said while discussing how cricketers are constantly observed both on and off the field.
Concerns over privacy
Kohli explained to News18 that players today are under scrutiny almost everywhere they go, whether they are travelling, dining out, training or spending personal time with family. According to him, the rise of social media and the nonstop news cycle has significantly increased the level of public attention around athletes.
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The cricketer said that while public recognition is naturally part of being an international athlete, the constant recording and photographing of players in personal moments can sometimes cross boundaries. He added that players also need spaces where they can relax without feeling watched all the time.
Kohliâs comments come at a time when celebrity culture and sports coverage have become increasingly intertwined, with cameras frequently capturing players even outside official matches and training sessions. Videos of cricketers at airports, restaurants and hotels regularly go viral online within minutes.
Social media reacts
The remarks quickly gained traction across social media platforms, where many users supported Kohliâs views and discussed the growing lack of privacy for public figures. Several fans pointed out that athletes often face pressure not only during games but also in their everyday lives because of constant online attention.
Others argued that the rise of smartphone cameras and paparazzi culture has changed the relationship between celebrities and the public. Many users noted that cricketers in India receive extraordinary levels of attention compared to athletes in many other countries because of cricketâs immense popularity.
Virat Kohli said - "You walk to practice and you have six cameras following you. Its not a comfortable feeling at all. As a sportsperson, you need to have the ability and the freedom to work on your game in peace. If everything you do is an opportunity to film or display or to pic.twitter.com/SqqwAApfSP
 Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 16, 2026
One of Indiaâs biggest sports icons
Kohli remains one of the most followed cricketers in the world and continues to attract enormous public attention both for his performances and personal life. The former India captain has frequently spoken about mental pressure, discipline and the importance of maintaining balance despite intense public expectations.
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Over the years, Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma have also requested privacy during family moments, especially regarding their children. The couple has repeatedly appealed to photographers and media organisations to avoid clicking unauthorised pictures of their family.
Kohliâs latest comments have once again highlighted the ongoing debate around the limits of media access and the personal boundaries public figures should be allowed to maintain despite their fame.
