Karun Nair Breaks Silence On Viral Moment With KL Rahul: 'That Was AI-Generated'

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-12 04:58:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-12 08:00:48

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Rahul, Nair, and 'the viral photo'

Indian cricketer Karun Nair has broken his silence on a viral photo that appeared to show him breaking down in the dressing room, with teammate KL Rahul trying to console him. Nair has revealed the photo, which circulated on social media during the India-South Africa Test series, was in fact AI-generated. The photo gained attention at a time when Nair was out of the Indian team and struggling for runs. He scored 0 and 13 in the Boxing Day Test in Cape Town, where India collapsed against South Africa.

"That picture of me and KL was AI (artificial intelligence) generated. So, I just want to let everyone know that it's all fun and games, and honestly, a little annoying," Nair told ESPN Cricinfo. "It was funny at first, but everyone took it as genuine, and I started getting calls from my parents, friends and everyone. So, I just want to clarify that it's all sorted out, and I hope people don't spread such things anymore."

The photo, which appears to have been created using a deepfake algorithm, showed a despondent Nair being comforted by Rahul, who was visibly upset after his own disappointing performance in the same match. The photo circulated on social media, with many users claiming it captured the stark contrast between the two players' performances and the psychological impact of competitive sport.

It's not the first time a fake photo claiming to be of real athletes has spread on social media. In 2019, a fake photo showing tennis players Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez celebrating together during the US Open women's singles final went viral. The two players later admitted they had never posed for the picture, with Raducanu saying it was "so weird" to see the photo online.

Nonetheless, using AI technology to create realistic images of public figures can be a fun way to entertain fans, draw attention to a cause, or spark conversation. However, it can also backfire, as Nair pointed out, putting him in an awkward position with his family and friends.

Perhaps this is a lesson to approach deepfake technology with cautionwhile it may provide laughs or eye-catching content, it can inadvertently hurt people and cause confusion, especially when it involves real-life situations and emotions.

Conclusion:

Whether or not AI-generated photos and videos will become more commonplace in the future remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Nair's experience has underscored the need to approach deepfake technology with responsibility and respect for the public figures involved. It will be interesting to see how AI is leveraged in the world of sports and journalism, perhaps for the greater good, but also with an awareness of the potential pitfalls and the potential for misuse.

Go!