Virat Kohli: A sporting rarity, revered by billions

If you search for the top 10 most-followed athletes on social media across Instagram, Facebook and X, you will notice overwhelming dominance by footballers. Eight of the 10 names on the list are footballers, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way with 946.1 million followers.

Only two non-footballing athletes command comparable global influence. One is American basketball icon LeBron James, who has 231 million followers. The other is the most popular cricketer on the planet, Virat Kohli. With 393.7 million followers across social media platforms, Kohli is the third most-followed athlete in the world behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (622 million).

While footballers dominating such a list is hardly surprising given football's status as the world's most-followed sport, Kohli's presence among those names raises an intriguing question: Why has Virat Kohli become such a cult figure among fans in India and across the globe?

The athlete who reinvented himself

When Kohli burst onto the international scene, he looked like any other talented young cricketer trying to establish himself at the highest level. The turning point came after IPL 2012.

One day, after stepping out of the shower, Kohli caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and was embarrassed by his physique. It was a moment of self-realisation that altered the course of his career. Determined to unlock his full potential, he embarked on a journey of physical and mental transformation, one that continues to evolve even today.

At the international level, players often rely on coaches, support staff and mentors to help them take the next step. It is rare for a cricketer already operating at the highest level to recognise his shortcomings so honestly and initiate change on his own. Kohli did exactly that.

The man who transformed Indian cricket's fitness culture

Kohli's greatness lies not only in his own transformation but also in his ability to inspire change around him.

During his tenure as captain, he championed the Yo-Yo test and made fitness a non-negotiable aspect of selection and performance. The move proved to be a watershed moment for Indian cricket, raising the team's fitness standards and bringing them on par with the world's best athletic sides. The ripple effect of that cultural shift can still be seen today. 

A custodian of Test cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final was a landmark moment. It ended an 18-year wait for the franchise's first title, and arguably no player yearned for that trophy more than Kohli.

Yet even that triumph could not rival his affection for Test cricket.

"This moment [the IPL win] is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career, but it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. That's how much I love Test cricket. I would just urge youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect," Kohli said after RCB's maiden IPL triumph.

Professional cricket has never been more lucrative. In an era where franchise commitments often rival international ambitions and players increasingly move across leagues and competitions, Kohli's unwavering advocacy for Test cricket sets him apart. 

The ultimate chase master

Kohli has accumulated countless records throughout his career, but perhaps nothing captures his greatness better than his ability to hunt down targets under pressure. No batter in ODI history has produced a better record in successful run chases.

Most runs in successful ODI run chases

Never too big to bow down

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

The 19th-century English historian and politician Lord Acton's famous observation has held true for countless public figures. Fame and adulation often change people. Kohli, however, remains an exception.

He entered the Indian dressing room as an admirer of Sachin Tendulkar. Nearly two decades later, despite becoming one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet, that reverence remains intact.

Even in the heat of competition, Kohli has repeatedly paid tribute to his childhood hero. He acknowledged Tendulkar after reaching a half-century during India's high-voltage clash against Pakistan at the 2016 T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens. Years later, after scoring his record-breaking 50th ODI hundred against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, he once again bowed to Tendulkar.

Kohli also paid tribute to MS Dhoni when he succeeded him as India's captain, reflecting the gratitude and humility that have remained central to his character throughout his career.

Thanks for always being the leader a youngster wants to have around him. You'll always be my captain @msdhoni Bhai 😊😊

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 6, 2017

The man who thought of cricket in his darkest hour

A Virat Kohli fan can point to countless innings, milestones and records as reasons to admire him. Yet none reveal more about his character than what he did during one of the darkest moments of his life.

Playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kohli received the devastating news that his father had passed away during the early hours of December 19, 2006.

While most would have understandably walked away from the game, Kohli chose otherwise.

Having ended the previous day unbeaten on 40, he returned to the crease the next morning despite carrying the burden of an irreparable loss. He went on to compile a gritty 90 from 238 deliveries, an innings that played a crucial role in helping Delhi save the match.