Discover which cricketer has more fans base and how many people follow them on social media. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma are among the top five.
Virat Kohli: The King of Cricket and Social Media Star
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the best cricketer of the decade, commands a larger fan base than any other cricketer worldwide. In India, the love for cricket extends far beyond the field, with players’ personal lives and brand endorsements drawing just as much attention. Kohli, the only Indian athlete on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes globally (which also includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi), boasts a staggering 265 million followers on Instagram. This makes him the most-followed Asian on the platform.
In earlier times, a cricketer’s fame was primarily measured by media mentions. However, social media has changed the game. While it can blur the lines between public and private life, it also allows sports stars to amass global followings. A large fan base now translates to numerous brand endorsements and significant earnings, something that was not as prevalent in earlier eras.
Below is a list of the top cricketers with the most followers—many of whom are also among the wealthiest players in the history of the sport.
Read More:- MS Dhoni: The Master Finisher’s Total IPL Runs
Top 5 Cricketers with the Most Social Media Followers
| Rank | Player | Instagram Followers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 265 million |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | 46.6 million |
| 3 | Sachin Tendulkar | 45.6 million |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | 33.9 million |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | 28.8 million |
Virat Kohli
As one of the best batsmen of the last decade, Virat Kohli enjoys unparalleled fame in India and beyond. Following his dominant performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer, Kohli’s fan base has only grown. With four Cricketer of the Year awards to his name, Kohli’s on-field aggression and leadership have inspired a new generation of cricketers.
In addition to his Instagram followers, Kohli has 59.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) and 51 million on Facebook. His marriage to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma has further boosted his popularity. Kohli also owns brands like Wrogn and one8 and has invested in several companies.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the only Indian captain to win all major ICC trophies, remains a fan favorite even after his retirement. Known for his exceptional wicketkeeping and explosive batting, Dhoni has 46.6 million followers on Instagram. His continued involvement in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has kept him relevant and beloved by fans.
Dhoni’s business ventures include a chain of gyms across 200 cities, a sports and apparel brand, and a mid-range hotel in Ranchi. His five IPL titles with CSK have solidified his status as a cricket legend.
Sachin Tendulkar
Even a decade after his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar remains one of the most adored cricketers worldwide. The “Little Master,” also known as the “God of Cricket,” has 45.6 million followers on Instagram. Unlike most other cricketers on the list, Tendulkar no longer plays competitive cricket, making his enduring popularity all the more impressive.
Beyond cricket, Tendulkar is an investor in several businesses, including the Indian Super League, Spinny, and the International Tennis Premier League.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian cricket team, is known for his elegant batting style and record-breaking performances. He has smashed multiple double centuries in ODIs and holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket. Sharma’s effortless stroke play and leadership in the IPL, where he has won six titles, have made him a fan favorite.
With 33.9 million Instagram followers, Sharma is also the brand ambassador for Adidas and has invested in companies like Rapidobotics and Veiroots Wellness Solutions.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has quickly become one of the most popular cricketers in India. Known for his aggressive batting and bowling, Pandya has been a key player for both the Indian team and his IPL franchise. His leadership helped the Gujarat Titans win their first IPL title in their debut season.
Pandya’s Instagram following of 28.8 million reflects his rising fame. Off the field, he co-owns the event management company EventViva and has invested in companies like Aretto, LenDenClub, and Yu Foodlabs.
FAQs
Which cricketer has the most fans in the IPL?
While Virat Kohli leads globally, MS Dhoni’s legacy with Chennai Super Kings makes him hugely popular in the IPL.
Which Indian cricketer has the most fans in the world?
Virat Kohli is the most-followed Indian cricketer, with over 265 million Instagram followers.
Which cricketer has the most fans in the world?
The answer is Virat Kohli, with the highest social media following among cricketers globally.
Is social media a good indicator of a cricketer’s fan following?
Yes, social media is a reflection of a cricketer’s popularity. Players with large social media followings typically have significant fan support, though it doesn’t always translate directly to overall popularity.
Who has the largest fan base in Indian cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is often regarded as having the most loyal and enduring fan base in Indian cricket, despite being retired.
Which sport has more fans—cricket or football?
Globally, football has a larger fan base due to the number of nations playing the sport. However, in India, cricket reigns supreme.
Also Read:- The Second God of Cricket