A 2-match Test series is currently underway between Team India and Bangladesh. After dominating the first Test and winning by an impressive 280 runs, the Indian team is set to face Bangladesh in the second and final match of the series. This will take place at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, starting on September 27. In the build-up to this much-anticipated match, a video of star batsman Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir has recently gone viral on social media, showing them seemingly kissing each other. This unexpected footage has left many fans in shock and disbelief, but the truth behind this video may surprise you.
Did Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Actually Kiss?
During the ongoing Test series, fans have been keenly observing the camaraderie between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The viral video circulating on social media shows the two cricket legends appearing to share a kiss during a practice session, but this video has been proven to be misleading. The source of this apparent affection lies in a digitally altered image that has been manipulated using artificial intelligence to create the illusion of a kiss.
The Reality Behind the Video
The incident that sparked this video came during a net practice session in Kanpur, where Kohli and Gambhir were seen enjoying each other’s company. At one point, Gambhir was observed touching Kohli’s beard, possibly to remove something from it. This innocent gesture was captured in a photo that later went viral. However, the kiss video was fabricated, utilizing this original image to create an entirely different context.
Virat Kohli with Gautam Gambhir in the practice session.
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Deepfake Videos and Misinformation in Sports
This incident is not unprecedented for Virat Kohli, who has previously fallen victim to deepfake technology. Just last month, a manipulated video circulated in which he appeared to harshly criticize compatriot Shubman Gill while boasting about his own achievements. Such deepfake clips can easily misrepresent individuals and spread misinformation among fans. Other cricket icons, including Sachin Tendulkar, have also been subjects of similar fakes. As technology evolves, the risk of manipulation increases, making it crucial for fans to discern fact from fiction before believing and sharing content online.
The implications of deepfakes extend beyond mere gossip, potentially harming reputations and causing rifts in public perception. Therefore, it becomes essential for fans to remain vigilant and critical of the content they encounter, especially in an age where digital alterations can present a facade that may not reflect reality.
