Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, going beyond being just a sport. It is a way of life, almost like a religion, that unites people from every corner of the country in their unwavering passion for the game.
Indian cricketers are elevated to the status of idols, and the immense love and admiration they receive from the public showcase the profound impact they have on the nation. This unparalleled popularity has led several Indian cricketers to amass a massive following on social media, particularly on Instagram.
The love for cricket in India goes far beyond just a sport; it becomes an integral part of the nation’s culture and identity. It unites people from diverse backgrounds, regions, and languages, bringing them together under the common banner of supporting their beloved team
As a result, they have secured coveted spots among the top 10 most followed Indian cricketers on Instagram of all time list.
most followed cricketers on Instagram
Here are the top 10 most followed cricketers on the social media platform:
Virat Kohli
Former Indian captain and batting maestro, Virat Kohli, has broken the record of 256 million followers on Instagram. Kohli leads the most followed cricketers on the platform and is the only Asian cricketer to achieve this milestone.
Among all athletes worldwide, Kohli ranks third in terms of Instagram followers, with football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi taking the top spots with 600 million and 480 million followers respectively.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the former captain, and wicketkeeper, is not only one of the best in his field but also regarded as the greatest captain of all time and a cricketing legend.
Dhoni’s extraordinary skills on the field and magnetic personality have garnered him a huge following and a loyal fanbase, evident from his impressive 45 million followers on Instagram.
Often referred to as Mahi or “Thala,” Dhoni’s follower count is second only to his ex-counterpart Virat Kohli, who boasts nearly six times more followers.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time and the “God of Cricket”, holds the third position in terms of fan following with an impressive count of 42 million on Instagram.
The beloved cricketing icon is celebrated as the highest run scorer in both Test cricket and ODIs, a testament to his remarkable skills and achievements on the field.
Having joined the platform in 2015, Tendulkar has shared over 1000 posts, offering a glimpse into his cricketing journey, off-field activities, and social and philanthropic endeavors.
His active presence on Instagram allows fans to connect with him on a more personal level and stay updated with his life beyond the cricket pitch.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the current captain of India’s men’s cricket team, has a fan following of 30 million on Instagram. As one of the finest opening batsmen and a role model for the youth, he is revered for his exceptional six-hitting prowess, impeccable timing, graceful leadership, and elegant style of play.
Having joined Instagram in 2012, Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) has shared over 1000 posts, offering insights into his cricketing journey, off-field engagements, and his active involvement in social and philanthropic initiatives.
Hardik Pandya
Presently serving as the Vice-Captain of the Indian cricket team (ODI) and Captaining the T20 Team of India, Hardik Pandya boasts a substantial follower count of 27 million on Instagram. As a star cricketer and a dynamic batting all-rounder, he secures a position in the top 5 list of most followed cricketers.
Hardik Pandya’s exceptional skills on the field and magnetic personality have garnered him a dedicated fanbase, as evident from his impressive Instagram following.
Joining the platform in 2014, he has actively engaged with his followers by sharing updates and offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and illustrious career.
Suresh Raina
Former Indian cricketer and a prominent figure in the Indian team, Suresh Raina, commands a sizable fan base of 25 million on the social media platform. Widely regarded as one of India’s finest T20 batsmen, Raina significantly impacted the international scene at a young age during the Greg Chappell era.
Raina (@sureshraina3) was the first Indian player to score centuries in all three formats of the game. While Test cricket may not have been his strong suit, his contributions in other formats proved to be invaluable to Indian cricket.
Ab De Villiers
The only non-Indian cricketer to secure a spot in the top 10 Most followed Cricketers on Instagram list is Ab de Villiers, with a notable follower count of 22.5 million. Hailing from South Africa, he is a former international cricketer and was a key player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, alongside his close ally Virat Kohli.
During the 2015 World Cup, de Villiers showcased his extraordinary skills in a memorable match against West Indies, scoring a breathtaking 162 runs off just 66 balls. His remarkable performance led South Africa to their second-highest total in World Cup history, a massive 408 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian left-handed batsman, boasts an impressive fan base of 18 million. Known for his explosive and elegant batting style, Singh continues to be adored by countless fans, especially after his courageous comeback from a battle with rare lung cancer in 2012.
His remarkable achievements on the cricket field include becoming the first Indian to hit 6 sixes in an over, a feat that left an indelible mark in the cricketing world.
One of his most memorable performances was in the semifinal against Australia, where his aggressive batting propelled India into the finals and eventually led them to become the champions.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul, the talented right-handed opening batsman from India, has gained an impressive 14.5 million Followers on Instagram. Known for his powerful performances on the field, Rahul has established himself as a formidable force in the cricketing world.
His remarkable achievements include the record for the fastest international century across all three formats, a feat he accomplished in just 20 innings. On his ODI debut in 2016 against Zimbabwe, he made an impactful century, leaving a strong impression on cricket enthusiasts.
Since joining the platform in 2012, Rahul has actively shared intimate insights into his life, providing his fans with glimpses of his experiences both on and off the field through over 920 posts.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, the ultimate left-handed opening batsman of India, boasts an impressive following of 13.9 million on Instagram. Known for his exciting and explosive style of play, Dhawan is considered one of the most dynamic cricketers in the world.
Often compared to the Australian cricket team after the 1999 World Cup, Dhawan’s aggressive approach to batting has earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
His rise to prominence began with a remarkable performance in the 2004 U-19 World Cup, where he scored an unprecedented 505 runs, including 3 centuries. Despite his early success, Dhawan faced tough competition, which delayed his entry into the Indian team.
Nevertheless, his talent and dedication eventually paid off, and he became a key player for the Indian cricket team. With his immense popularity on Instagram and thrilling performances on the field, Shikhar Dhawan has become an iconic figure in Indian cricket.
FAQs
Which are the Top 3 Indian cricketers with the most followers on Instagram?
Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar are the top 4 most followed Indian Cricketers on Instagram.
Who is the most followed Indian cricketer on Instagram?
Virat Kohli is the most followers on Instagram with 256 Million followers.
Who is the most followed Non-Indian on Instagram?
Ab De Villiers is the most followers Non-Indian on Instagram with 22.4 Million followers.