The sudden disappearance of Virat Kohli's Instagram account on Friday, January 30, 2026, has sent shockwaves through his massive fanbase, sparking a flurry of speculation and concern. The verified account, boasting over 274 million followers, vanished without warning, leaving fans greeted by the message "Profile isn't available" when searching for @virat.kohli.
The unexpected deactivation has triggered widespread speculation among fans, with many taking to other social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and even flooding the comment sections of Kohli's wife, actress Anushka Sharma, seeking answers. "Genuinely scared now, where did he go?" one fan wrote on X, reflecting the sentiments of many. Others have implored Anushka Sharma to "bring back Kohliji" to the digital landscape.
As of now, there has been no official explanation from Kohli, his team, or Instagram regarding the sudden disappearance. This lack of clarity has fueled numerous theories, ranging from a voluntary social media detox to a potential technical glitch or even a possible security breach. Some users have also reported that the Instagram account of Kohli's brother, Vikas Kohli, has also disappeared, further adding to the mystery.
Kohli, one of the most followed athletes globally, is also the highest-paid Indian cricketer for sponsored posts on Instagram, reportedly charging between INR 11 and 14 crore per post. His Instagram feed has largely been limited to commercial endorsements, family moments, and posts celebrating significant milestones, such as India's T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories, as well as Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 title win. This selective approach to social media has been seen as a reflection of Kohli's evolving priorities, particularly after stepping down from leadership roles and opting for a more balanced public life.
The timing of the Instagram account's disappearance is also noteworthy. Kohli is currently on a break from cricket after playing in the ODI series against New Zealand. In the series, he scored 240 runs, including a century and a fifty. He had also briefly regained the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI Batters Rankings.
Despite the concerns, Kohli's presence on X remains active, with his latest post on January 23, 2026, congratulating badminton star Saina Nehwal on her retirement. He is expected to return to action in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
While the exact reason for the Instagram account's disappearance remains unknown, fans can only hope for a swift resolution and an official statement from Kohli or Instagram soon. Until then, the online frenzy and speculation are likely to continue.
