A video of Virat Kohli’s hotel room was leaked after it was invaded by a fan in Australia. The “appalling” incident led the former Indian captain to post a seething message on social media.
Kohli’s room in Australia was broken into when he was not around and filmed on video. His accessories and suitcases were also filmed. The video gives a slight glimpse of the invader through a mirror reflection and also shows two others present. They make a small appearance towards the end.
Kohli has taken to social media to have a go at the “fanaticism” whilst stating that the incident left him “paranoid” about his privacy.
“I understand that fans get very happy and excited seeing their favourite players and get excited to meet them and I’ve always appreciated that. But this video here is appalling and it’s made me feel very paranoid about my privacy. If I cannot have privacy in my own hotel room, then where can I really expect any personal space at all?? I’m NOT okay with this kind of fanaticism and absolute invasion of privacy. Please respect people’s privacy and not treat them as a commodity for entertainment,” Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.
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A fuming David Warner commented on Kohli’s post: “This is ridiculous, totally unacceptable. Was this @crownperth.”
The post was also shared by Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma. “Have experienced few incidents, where fans have shown no compassion or grace in the past but this really is the worst thing. An absolute disgrace and violation of a human being and anyone who sees this and thinks celebrity ho, toh deal karna padega [If you are a celebrity, you have to deal with it] should know that you are also part of the problem.”
This is not the first time that an India player has complained about the hotel and the lack of security where they have been stationed at. In September, wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia was robbed of important belongings and valuables from a hotel in London, where the Indian team had been put up when they toured England for a white-ball series.
