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Virat Kohli's Instagram deactivation not on the 2026 bingo card: Fans link it to Arijit Singh retirement, Nihilist Penguin memes follow as internet in shambles

Karen Noronha | Indiatimes | Jan 30, 2026, 01:56 IST
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With over 274 million followers, Virat Kohli's account was among the most influential in sports, second only globally to Cristiano Ronaldo in engagement.
Credit: X | Virat Kohli deactivated his Instagram account leaving fans in chaos.
Image credit : Credit: X | Virat Kohli deactivated his Instagram account leaving fans in chaos.
In a shock move that no one saw coming, cricket superstar Virat Kohli's Instagram account suddenly vanished late Friday night, January 30, 2026. Fans trying to search for @virat.kohli were met with "Profile isn't available" messages, leaving millions in disbelief.

X | Virat Kohli's account suddenly vanished late Friday night, January 30, 2026.
Image credit : X | Virat Kohli's account suddenly vanished late Friday night, January 30, 2026.
With over 274 million followers, his account was among the most influential in sports, second only globally to Cristiano Ronaldo in engagement, according to HypeAuditor - and this sudden disappearance from the photo-sharing app was surely not on anyone's 2026 bingo card.

X/@imVkohli | Virat Kohli's Instagram account suddenly vanishing has left millions in disbelief.
Image credit : X/@imVkohli | Virat Kohli's Instagram account suddenly vanishing has left millions in disbelief.


Fans link deactivation to Arijit Singh retirement



Speculation spread rapidly online as fans tried to make sense of Kohli's sudden disappearance. Many joked and even connected the deactivation to the retirement of legendary playback singer Arijit Singh, claiming the cricket icon may have taken the step in quiet solidarity or personal reflection.



Anushka Sharam also questioned



Soon after Virat Kohli’s Instagram went offline, fans rushed to Anushka Sharma's comment sections to ask about the missing account. Comments like "Bhaabhi, bhaiya ka account kahan gaya?", "Bhabhi, King bhaiyya ko bolo account activate kare," and "Laut aao Kohli ji" quickly flooded her posts, mixing concern with playful humour.


Instagram/anushkasharma | Comments under the most react post made by Anushka Sharma.
Image credit : Instagram/anushkasharma | Comments under the most react post made by Anushka Sharma.


Nihilist Penguin memes take over social media



No online meltdown is complete without memes, and X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were immediately flooded. The Nihilist Penguin meme became a focal point as fans humorously questioned whether the cricketer was stepping into uncharted territory.

Reactions ranged from concern for the player to debates over why such a move was made. Some fans speculated wildly, while others simply couldn't fathom a world without instant access to the "King of Cricket" online.





Virat Kohli's influence remains unmatched



Despite the account's sudden disappearance, Kohli's impact on Instagram and in cricket remains undeniable. Ranked second globally for Instagram engagement, he continues to dominate conversations even while offline.



Fans are now anxiously waiting for clarification, hoping the superstar returns to the platform soon. Some are even stating it could be glitch from the app, with many spamming Instagram's official acocunt on the app with questions.

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