Cricket in India is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon, and the country’s cricketers are akin to revered celebrities. Thus, it’s no surprise that former Indian captain Virat Kohli holds the title of the highest-earning Indian on Instagram. Recent data reveals that each of Kohli’s posts on the photo-sharing platform earns him an astonishing INR 11.45 crore.
Despite this, Virat Kohli stands at the 14th position on the list of highest-earning celebrities on Instagram, with football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo reigning supreme. Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer, boasts the largest following on the Meta-owned app, making it unsurprising that he has overtaken his peer Lionel Messi to claim the top spot. A report from Hopper HQ ranks Ronaldo and Messi as the top two earners on Instagram, followed by Hollywood sensation Selena Gomez.
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Remarkably, Virat Kohli is the sole Indian representative among the top 20 earners of 2023. According to the same report, Ronaldo commands a staggering fee of USD 3.23 million for every sponsored post, equivalent to around INR 26.75 crore. Messi, his perennial rival, secures USD 2.56 million per Instagram post, approximately INR 21.49 crore.
Top 3 athletes earnings per post on Instagram in 2023 (Hopper HQ):
Cristiano Ronaldo – 26.7cr.
Lionel Messi – 21.5cr.
Virat Kohli – 11.45cr. pic.twitter.com/23tJCmARij
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 11, 2023
In comparison, Kohli’s endorsement fee per post stands at USD 1.38 million, a substantial sum. The renowned cricketer boasts an impressive following of 256 million on the platform.
Currently enjoying a well-deserved break, the 34-year-old Virat Kohli has been rested by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023, commencing on August 2. India’s campaign in the tournament begins with a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2.
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Kohli’s most recent encounter with Pakistan was during the T20 World Cup 2022, where his exceptional innings led India to a triumphant comeback. Displaying scintillating form in 2023, Virat Kohli emerged as one of the top run-scorers in IPL 2023. With this momentum, he aims to propel himself and his team forward in both the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup 2023. The latter, scheduled from October 5 to November 19, will take place on Indian soil, making it an even more significant event for the cricketing icon.
