Fact Check: Has Virat Kohli Started Smoking? The Truth Behind the Viral Picture
Viral photo sparks debate as fans question if Virat Kohli was seen smoking post-retirement; here’s what we know
Virat Kohli recently retired from Test cricket. Before that, he had already stepped away from T20 Internationals after helping India win the T20 World Cup 2024. Now, Kohli will only play ODI cricket for India.
After winning the IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli has not been seen in public. However, a photo is now going viral on Reddit and social media, which claims that Virat Kohli was seen smoking a cigarette.
This photo has now spread everywhere online, making many fans wonder if it’s true. But here’s the truth behind it.
The Truth: It’s Not Virat Kohli
The viral photo is not from 2025. It is an old image from 2023. Even back then, people were confused because the picture was blurry, and the person in it looked like Virat Kohli.
Later, it was confirmed that the person in the image is not Virat Kohli. It is Pawan Kumar, a lookalike of Kohli. He was seen smoking hookah at Kohli’s One8 Commune restaurant in Bengaluru.
This same image had gone viral in March 2024. Many thought it was Kohli smoking, but it was clearly clarified that the person was just someone who looks like him.
Kohli’s Strict Lifestyle
Virat Kohli is famous for his fitness and discipline. He has openly said that he does not smoke or drink alcohol. Over the years, he has maintained a very strict fitness routine and healthy lifestyle, which is a big reason behind his long and successful career.
