Kohli slams invasive IPL camera culture, seeks practice privacy
Kohli slams invasive IPL camera culture, seeks practice privacy
Virat Kohli questions constant camera coverage during IPL practice, calling for boundaries on consent and space to train without being filmed.
Virat Kohli has voiced concerns about the growing number of cameras around IPL players during practice, describing six cameras following him as not a comfortable feeling. He says players should be allowed to prepare in peace without every movement being recorded and analyzed, insisting that constant exposure can affect how they train and how freely they experiment.
During a discussion on the RCB Podcast, Kohli explained that when everything you do is captured for film or social media scrutiny, it changes the way you train. "You walk to practice, and you have six cameras following you. It’s not a comfortable feeling at all. As a sports person, you need the ability and the freedom to work on your game in peace. If everything you do is an opportunity to film or display or to dissect, then you are not being organic," he said. "I’m not going to be able to try to do things at practice which I really want to do because I know tomorrow if someone films it and there are discussions on my practice sessions. You judge me on my performances during the game, not during the leadup. No one has the right to judge me on what I’m doing in terms of my preparation, the things I’m trying in the nets," he added.
While acknowledging the importance of fan engagement and digital content in modern cricket, Kohli said there must be balance. He urged for clearer boundaries on player consent and behind-the-scenes access, emphasising that the aim is to protect performance and the organic nature of preparation, not to deny fans the chance to connect.
These concerns come despite Kohli's strong form this IPL season. He has continued to contribute for his Bengaluru-based team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, as the league pushes forward with its ever-present media coverage. He hopes teams, broadcasters, and platforms will agree on guidelines that give players space to train while still delivering the content fans crave.
Industry reaction is mixed, but Kohli's remarks have reignited a broader debate about privacy in the age of real-time coverage and social media, and whether practice sessions should be a sanctuary or another stage for content.
