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Cricket has produced numerous stars over the years, with players becoming household names and transcending the sport itself. Among these, a few have risen to global icon status, not only for their performances on the field but also for their immense influence off it. Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the ‘God of Cricket’, revolutionized the game with his extraordinary talent and sportsmanship. Sir Vivian Richards brought a swagger and flair that captivated fans worldwide. Modern stars like MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, and Steve Smith have continued this legacy, enchanting fans with their skills and leadership.
Ross Taylor picks his choice
Former New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor, who has seen many greats during his illustrious career, recently shared his thoughts on who he believes stands out as a global superstar in cricket. During his appearance on a podcast, Taylor singled out Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, comparing his global influence to that of football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Taylor highlighted Kohli’s enormous social media presence and his impact on global sports culture. Notably, Kohli, who has a staggering 269 million followers on Instagram, is the most-followed Indian athlete and cricketer in the world. This places him just behind Ronaldo, with 630 million followers, and Messi, who has 501 million, in the hierarchy of sports personalities on social media.
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Taylor emphasized the shift brought about by the rise of social media, noting how athletes have become more accessible to fans and have started to endorse brands more frequently. He remarked on the trust fans place in these athletes, turning them into influential figures beyond their sports. Taylor reflected on how unexpected such developments would have been in 2008, but now, figures like Kohli stand as global superstars in the broader world of sports.
“Players are putting outposts endorsing products and things like that. Who would have thought of that in 2008? Someone like Kohli, who is a superstar in the world of cricket, but is also a global superstar in the world of sports. In terms of Instagram and social media, he’s up there with Ronaldo and Messi!” said Taylor on ‘180 Not Out’ podcast.
Social media influence
Taylor discussed the broader implications of social media on public figures, including athletes, movie stars, Bollywood celebrities, and politicians. He acknowledged that while this increased scrutiny might seem challenging, it ultimately contributes to greater accessibility and connection between fans and their idols.
“Yeah, I think you are more accessible, I don’t think sportsmen are just as critiqued. I think movie stars, Bollywood stars, politicians are all under the microscope now because of social media but I don’t think that is a bad thing,” he added.
