'AI is very dangerous': Virat Kohli takes dig at Shubman Gill in deepfake video. Watch

It was soon pointed out by several users that the video was artificially generated and did not reflect Virat Kohli’s actual words.

The ongoing comparisons between Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have taken a new turn with the emergence of a viral video involving young Indian batter Shubman Gill. The 24-year-old, who has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performances, is now being positioned by some as the next big figure in Indian cricket. However, a recent fan-made video has added fuel to the debate by falsely attributing comments to Kohli, sparking widespread discussion online.

The video, circulating on X (formerly Twitter), featured an edited clip in which Kohli was heard making disparaging remarks about Shubman Gill. The video claimed that Kohli said, “I have been watching Gill closely. He’s talented, no doubt. But there is a big gap between showing promise and becoming a legend.” The clip further suggested that Kohli compared himself to Tendulkar, allegedly stating, “People talk about the next Virat Kohli but let me be clear, there’s only one Virat Kohli.”

AI is Dangerous pic.twitter.com/njUvwiwc4t
Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) August 27, 2024

The video quickly garnered attention, leading to a wave of reactions from fans and followers of Indian cricket. However, it was soon pointed out by several users that the video was artificially generated and did not reflect Kohli’s actual words. One user commented, “I will be half asleep and still know that this is not how Virat talks and this is not even his voice.” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “For a moment, I thought it was real. AI is dangerous for sure.”

The incident highlighted the growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating deepfake content. The clip also reignited discussions about the ethical implications of AI technology, particularly in the context of public figures and the potential for misinformation.

"Elon was right AI is far more dangerous than nukes," a user wrote. Another user added, "I don't know why people do these things."

"It's literally very dangerous," a third user quipped. A fourth user added, "Only a matter of time where an AI generated video also appears completely true."

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who has often been compared to cricketing greats like Kohli and Tendulkar, has acknowledged the expectations placed upon him but has remained grounded in his approach. Speaking ahead of a T20I series against Zimbabwe last month, Gill remarked, “Pressure and expectations…they I think always remain. But what Virat Bhai and Rohit Bhai have achieved, if I look to achieve that or reach that, it will be very difficult for me.”

Gill, who made his debut as captain for India in the series against Zimbabwe, has already achieved notable success, including guiding the Gujarat Titans to an Indian Premier League (IPL) victory in 2022. Despite the high expectations, Gill has emphasised that each player has their own goals, and he remains focused on his journey rather than trying to replicate the achievements of others.