In the realm of cricket, where players often ascend to the status of global icons, India stands as a crucible of fervent fandom, with cricket bordering on a religious devotion. Following the era of Sachin Tendulkar, revered as the deity of the sport, the mantle of adoration has now fallen upon Virat Kohli, a figure of immense reverence in contemporary cricketing circles.
Amidst the fervor of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 and Kohli’s triumphant return following his absence during the Test series against England, the Indian batting maestro has captured the world’s attention, emerging as the most searched cricketer on Google for the year 2024.
Here’s a rundown by OneCricket of the top cricketers who have garnered the highest number of searches on Google this year:
3. Rohit Sharma – 28 Million Searches
Renowned for his graceful batting style, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has earned widespread acclaim as one of cricket’s premier talents. Since assuming leadership responsibilities for India, particularly after his commendable stewardship during the World Cup 2023, Rohit has endeared himself to fans worldwide. His stellar performance in the T20I match against Afghanistan early in 2024, coupled with his captivating captaincy during the England series, propelled him into the limelight. With over 6,000 IPL runs and an international tally exceeding 18,000 runs, Rohit’s influence on Indian cricket is profound, reflected in his 28 million searches on Google.
2. MS Dhoni – 29 Million Searches
Revered as the “Thala” of Chennai, MS Dhoni remains an indomitable force in the realm of cricket, particularly in southern India. Despite bidding adieu to international cricket, Dhoni’s legacy continues to resonate deeply among fans owing to his illustrious career spanning over 15 years. His association with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, punctuated by his recent decision to step down from captaincy, sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, triggering a surge of searches. The architect of India’s triumphs in the T20 World Cup 2007, World Cup 2011, and Champions Trophy 2013, Dhoni’s enduring impact resonates with 29 million searches on Google.
1. Virat Kohli – 64 Million Searches
Regarded as the epitome of consistency in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli transcends the sport to emerge as a global sporting icon. Unlike Sachin Tendulkar, whose prowess was confined to cricketing skills, Kohli’s allure extends to his style, professionalism, and charismatic demeanor. His recent off-field milestones, including the birth of his second child and his hiatus from the England series, thrust him into the media spotlight. Kohli’s triumphant return to cricket during the Indian Premier League, coupled with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s historic WPL title victory, further fueled his popularity. With a staggering 64 million searches on Google in 2024, Kohli stands as the undisputed king of cricketing search trends, reaffirming his status as a global sporting phenomenon.
