Virat Kohli rules on and off the field: Instagram’s most influential cricketer, a global sporting icon

From record-breaking performances to unmatched social media influence, Virat Kohli continues to dominate modern cricket and the digital world, standing tall above all his peers.

Virat Kohli is not just a modern-day cricket legend; he is a global phenomenon who continues to rule both on the field and beyond it. Widely referred to as the “King” of contemporary cricket, Kohli’s dominance is no longer limited to his batting records, fitness standards, or fielding excellence. His influence off the field has now reached historic proportions.

Recently, Kohli’s massive popularity was on full display when he arrived in Vadodara for India’s ODI series against New Zealand. As soon as he stepped out of the airport, crowds of fans surrounded him, causing chaos despite heavy security arrangements. The situation became so intense that security personnel struggled to manage the crowd, underlining the unmatched fan following Kohli commands even away from the cricket ground.

While his on-field achievements are well documented, Kohli has also built a powerful digital empire. A latest global survey on social media influence has named him the Most Influential Cricketer in the World. With 270 million followers on Instagram, Kohli has surpassed all current and former cricketers by a wide margin, pushing even legendary names far behind.

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The report further states that Kohli is not only the Most Influential Indian on Instagram but also the Most Influential Asian on the platform. His impact extends well beyond national boundaries, making him one of the most powerful digital personalities globally.

In the worldwide list of most influential individuals on Instagram, Kohli ranks sixth overall. Among athletes, he stands at third place, behind football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Notably, Kohli is the only cricketer to feature in the global top 10, highlighting his exceptional reach.

This influence also translates into massive earnings. Kohli is currently the highest-paid cricketer on social media. In 2023, he charged around ₹11–12 crore per commercial Instagram post. By early 2026, this figure has risen sharply, with reports stating he now charges up to ₹14 crore for a single sponsored post.

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Although Kohli has stepped away from Test and T20 cricket and now plays only ODIs and the IPL, his popularity remains unaffected. He appears on the field only for a few months each year, yet his brand value continues to grow. The name Virat Kohli has become a global brand in itself, proof that whether he plays all formats or just a few, the “King” remains unrivalled.