'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The moment Virat Kohli scores a century or breaks a record, it becomes the number one trending topic on Facebook and Twitter goes wild. It becomes viral all over the internet as fans across the globe share this news and it in turn, garner millions of likes, comments and shares.
This is what the social media age is all about. Indeed, it is a fascinating world where you can tweet, retweet, post, react, comment, poke and share anything that interests you.
Even the players usher in this euphoria by managing their official Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts, which have millions of followers from across the globe. They post regularly and go live during the interactive sessions to stay connected with their fans.
Among the cricketers, some players are immensely popular and are followed by millions all over the world. Let us now look at five such cricketers who have a huge fan-base in the social media world.
#5 Rohit Sharma
'Hitman' Rohit is the only player to score three double-centuries in the ODIs, two against Sri Lanka and one against Australia. He also possesses the record for the highest individual score in the ODIs of 264(225), which he scored against the Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in 2014.
Rohit amassed 33 fours and 9 sixes during that world record innings. With four IPL trophies, he is the most successful player in the IPL history. Rohit is also the most successful captain in the IPL, having led the Mumbai Indians to three titles so far. A technically gifted and one of the most prudent limited-overs batsman, when in full flow Rohit is a delight to watch especially his trademark pull shot.
Due to his immense talent and delightful personality as well, Rohit has amassed quite a large following on social media.
Twitter followers: 10.8 million
Instagram followers: 5 million
Official Facebook page likes: 10 million
Total: 25.8 million
#4 Virender Sehwag
Viru was a perfect entertainer with the bat and now even after his retirement he is no different. With his hilarious tweets and comments, Sehwag never fails to capture the fans' hearts. He is the only Indian cricketer to score two triple centuries in tests- 309 against Pakistan and 319 against South Africa.
In addition, he scored a double century in the ODIs against the West Indies in 2011. During his heyday, Viru was an unstoppable force in the top-order who hit the opposition bowlers all over the park.
On many occasions he started off matches for India with a bang, a perfect example being India's opening match during their World Cup winning campaign in 2011 against Bangladesh. India will never witness a dazzling opener like Sehwag in the future.
Twitter followers: 15.8 million
Instagram followers: 2.4 million
Official Facebook page likes: 14 million
Total: 32.2 million
#3 Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain having won all the ICC trophies in his illustrious career. The charismatic former skipper has transformed Indian cricket immensely. Dhoni is India's most successful wicket-keeper and he recently took his 600th ODI catch against the Proteas.
Under his leadership, Indians have won several home and away series as a result of which India rose to number 1 in the rankings in the Tests as well as ODIs. Dhoni led India to two World Cup triumphs- the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
His magnificent innings of 91*(79) and especially that World Cup winning monstrous six at the Wankhede stadium will be cherished by every Indian fan for years to come. India might get a good wicket-keeper, captain, batsman in the future but won’t witness another ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni.
On social media, he is quite acive, often sharing pictures of his family, especially of his daughter Ziva.
Twitter followers: 6.9 million
Instagram followers: 7.8 million
Official Facebook page likes: 20 million
Total: 33.9 million
#2 Sachin Tendulkar
No other cricketer embraced the game as much as Sachin did. With 15,921 test runs, 18,426 ODI runs and a record 100 International centuries, he is undoubtedly the 'God of Cricket', having played for his nation for 24 years (1989-2013). He mesmerised the world with his unique batting style and technique, which were second to none.
The 2011 World Cup win was mainly dedicated to this man who carried a billion hopes on his shoulders for almost a quarter of a century. Sachin made the whole world cry during his farewell speech at the Wankhede stadium after his 200th test appearance for India, which was his final International game. Sachin received the highest civilian honour of India ‘Bharat Ratna’ for his contributions to the nation in 2014.
Twitter followers: 24 million
Instagram followers: 9.2 million
Official Facebook page likes: 28.8 million
Total: 62 million
#1 Virat Kohli
The flamboyant Indian skipper is arguably the most impressive batsman in world cricket right now. Virat is a determined cricketer, also known for his on-field aggression and batting prowess. His dazzling looks and charming character have garnered him millions of fans across the world.
Kohli burst onto the cricket scene after the 2008 Under 19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, where he captained the Indian colts to an impressive victory. From then on, there has been no looking back for this champion batsman, as he made his way into the senior team and cemented his place like a boss.
Kohli was part of the victorious Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup at home. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. Virat has made it a habit of scoring centuries in almost every game he plays.
Glorious days are ahead for the Indian cricket team with Virat, the youth icon, at the helm. With frequent posts alongside wife Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli is the undisputed king of the social media!
Twitter followers: 22.9 million
Instagram followers: 19.2 million
Official Facebook page likes: 37 million
Total: 79.1 million
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
