Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant is once again in the headlines, but not for his performance on the pitch. This time, it’s his activity on Instagram that’s grabbing attention. Fans recently noticed that Pant had liked several posts by an account named Mia Zelu, a bold and stylish influencer with over 145,000 followers. But there’s a twist: Mia Zelu isn’t even a real person.
So, who is Mia Zelu? She’s an AI-generated virtual influencer, created using digital technology to look and act like a real social media personality. She regularly shares glamorous, highly stylised photos that are popular among her many online followers. While she may not be human, her posts, and the attention they garner – are very real.
Pant’s ‘likes’ on Mia’s content sparked a wave of reactions. Social media users quickly started sharing screenshots and memes, many making jokes about how cricketers are now falling for virtual influencers. One meme read, “Pant is avoiding relationship drama by liking AI girls.” While many found the situation amusing, others debated whether it was appropriate for a public figure like Pant to engage with such content.
So far, Pant has not responded, and neither has his management team. Given that Mia Zelu is not an actual person, there’s no response from her side either, she’s run by algorithms, not opinions. Still, the silence has left room for endless online speculation.
The situation comes just weeks after a similar moment involving Virat Kohli, who accidentally liked a post by actress Avneet Kaur. That moment turned into a viral controversy, sparking rumours about his personal life and even requiring public clarification. So when Pant’s activity came to light, the internet was already in gossip mode.
Some fans believe the criticism is overblown. They argue that liking a post is not a crime, and public figures like Pant deserve the freedom to use social media without every action becoming national news.
However, the situation highlights a larger issue: the immense pressure athletes and celebrities face in today’s digital world. From match performance to Instagram likes, everything is watched and judged by millions.
Whether you see it as harmless or headline-worthy, one thing is clear: in 2025, even a simple double tap can go viral.
