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Rishabh Pant Caught In Photo-Liking Controversy Involving AI Influencer Mia Zelu

Sakshi Sharma

Rishabh Pant (Source:@LucknowIPL,x.com)Rishabh Pant (Source:@LucknowIPL,x.com)

Rishabh Pant, the newly-appointed vice-captain of the Test team, is making headlines for reasons beyond cricket. The 27-year-old has come under social media scrutiny after fans noticed that he had liked several Instagram posts of a virtual influencer named Mia Zelu, an AI-generated model known for her bold and glamorous content.

The screenshots of Pant's Instagram activity were quickly shared across social media platforms. While Mia Zelu boasts over 145K followers on Instagram, her identity as an AI-generated figure added fuel to the online chatter.

Fans React With Memes And Mixed Opinions

Pant’s activity has drawn a range of reactions. Some netizens mocked him, calling it the 'digital equivalent of playing it safe' after a similar controversy involving Virat Kohli made waves months ago. The incident involved Kohli, who had accidentally liked a post of influencer Avneet Kaur. 

A section of fans, however, defended the cricketer, arguing that liking posts is hardly a big deal and that cricketers should be allowed some digital freedom without constant judgement. It remains unclear whether Pant follows the AI influencer, as Mia Zelu has kept her followers list private. 

Rishabh Pant trolled online (Source:@Abhinav_hariom,x.com)Rishabh Pant trolled online (Source:@Abhinav_hariom,x.com)

As one of the most followed cricketers in the country, Rishabh Pant is no stranger to every move, be it on the pitch or on Instagram, being closely tracked, analysed, and talked about.

Rishabh Pant's On-Field Performance

Rishabh Pant also disappointed his fans with his performance in the first innings of the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston. Coming off the back of twin centuries in the series opener, the wicketkeeper-batter was expected to deliver big again.

However, Pant made 25 runs off 42 balls and departed after attempting a rash stroke. His dismissal was viewed as a missed opportunity, especially given the form he had displayed in the previous match.