Know which cricketer has more fans and how many people follow them on social media. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma feature in the top five list.
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the king of cricket and the Men’s Cricketer of the Decade, has more fans than any other cricketer globally. Cricket’s popularity extends far beyond the field in India, where fans are equally interested in a cricketer’s personal life and brand endorsements. Kohli is the only Indian athlete to appear on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes in the world, sharing the stage with global sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Unsurprisingly, Kohli leads the list with a staggering 265 million followers on Instagram, making him the most-followed Asian on the platform.
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Traditionally, a cricketer’s popularity was measured by their media presence, but social media has changed the game. Today, sports stars can connect with millions of fans, which also opens doors to lucrative global endorsements. Social media has become a key indicator of a cricketer’s fanbase and market value, something that wasn’t possible before.
Below is a list of cricketers with the most fans, many of whom are also among the wealthiest players to ever play the game.
Top 5 Cricketers with the Most Followers
| Rank | Player | Instagram Followers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 265 million |
| 2 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | 46.6 million |
| 3 | Sachin Tendulkar | 45.6 million |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | 33.9 million |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | 28.8 million |
Virat Kohli
Widely regarded as the best batsman of the last decade, Virat Kohli is not just the most famous cricket player in India, but across Asia. His incredible performance in the 2023 World Cup, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer, solidified his legacy. Kohli’s fiery demeanor on the field has inspired an entire generation of cricketers, and his massive popularity is reflected in his following.
Kohli’s marriage to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma further elevated his celebrity status. He owns brands like Wrogn and one8 and has invested in several start-ups. Besides his 265 million Instagram followers, Kohli boasts 59.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) and 51 million on Facebook.
MS Dhoni
As the only Indian captain to win all ICC titles, MS Dhoni’s legacy remains unmatched. His role as an explosive finisher and world-class wicketkeeper made him a national icon. Even after retiring from international cricket, Dhoni enjoys immense popularity, largely thanks to his ongoing participation in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings.
Dhoni has 46.6 million Instagram followers and his success in leading CSK to five IPL titles has earned him a dedicated fanbase. In addition to his cricket career, Dhoni owns a mid-range hotel in Ranchi, a gym chain across 200 cities, and a sports and apparel company, alongside managing a global school.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the original cricketing superstar of India, continues to be adored by millions even after a decade of retirement. With 45.6 million followers on Instagram, Tendulkar ranks third on the list, a testament to his enduring legacy as the “God of Cricket.”
Despite being retired, Tendulkar remains a popular figure in the business world as well, having invested in the International Tennis Premier League, Spinny, and the Indian Super League, among others.
Rohit Sharma
Known for his effortless batting style and record-breaking feats, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is one of the most popular names in the sport today. Although he has yet to win a major ICC trophy as captain, Sharma’s six IPL titles with two teams have made him a fan favorite.
Sharma, also known as the “Hitman” for his power-hitting, holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket. Besides being the face of Adidas, Sharma has investments in Rapidobotics and Veiroots Wellness Solutions. He has 33.9 million followers on Instagram.
Hardik Pandya
One of the fastest-rising stars in Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya quickly became a household name thanks to his explosive performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. With four IPL titles under his belt, Pandya further cemented his reputation by leading Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL trophy.
Pandya, who has 28.8 million Instagram followers, has been in the spotlight both for his on-field brilliance and his off-field controversies. He co-owns event-based company EventViva and has investments in companies like Aretto, LenDenClub, and Yu Foodlabs.
FAQs
Who has the most fans in the IPL?
While Virat Kohli is the most followed cricketer globally, MS Dhoni’s iconic achievements with Chennai Super Kings make him extremely popular in the IPL.
Which Indian cricketer has the most fans worldwide?
Virat Kohli, with over 265 million Instagram followers, has the largest fanbase of any cricketer in the world.
Which cricketer has the most fans globally?
Virat Kohli tops the list with 265 million Instagram followers, making him the most-followed cricketer globally.
Is social media a good indicator of a cricketer’s fan following?
Yes, social media provides insight into a cricketer’s popularity. Those with large followings on Instagram, X, and Facebook often have a significant fanbase. However, it’s important to remember that social media doesn’t always fully reflect a player’s overall fan support.
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