MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli: Indian cricketers who have the most fan-following

MS Dhoni might have retired from international cricket, but he continues to play the Indian Premier League, as fans still enjoy watching him play. Virat Kohli is the reigning Indian skipper and the world's best batsman, as he is ought to have a huge fan following.

First Published Oct 24, 2020, 5:00 PM IST

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Indian cricketers are treated as great personalities, while the successful ones are handled with immense respect by millions across the nation, as well as the globe. Naturally, some of them garner immense fan-following worldwide.

Some of these cricketers are so great, that their followers support them even after their retirement from the sport. On the same note, we take a look at some Indian cricketers, who have the largest fan base.

Virender Sehwag: The swashbuckling former Indian opener was a treat for the eyes for any Indian fan, owing to his ability to hit regular boundaries and giving India the perfect start to the innings. It was his glorious energy that allowed India to win the 2007 ICC World T20 and 2011 ICC World Cup. Naturally, he earned a healthy fan base, of around 50 million, not just because of his sublime batting, but also his funky nature off the field.

Sourav Ganguly: The former Indian captain, who made way for some of the greatest Indian talents and future captains, is ought to have a great fan base. It was under his leadership India finished as the runners-up during the 2003 ICC World Cup, while the squad he prepared helped India dominate at the world stage in the upcoming years. Although he has an immense fan-following in his home state of West Bengal, nicknamed 'The Prince of Bengal', he has the enormous respect of Indian fans, which grosses over 50 million.

Yuvraj Singh: The swashbuckling Indian batsman, who is famous for hitting six sixes in an over, besides helping India defeat England in the 2002 Natwest series, is ought to enjoy a firm fan base. However, another reason that emotionally connects him with the fans is his struggle and come back following his battle with cancer. His followers are so strong that some also blame MS Dhoni for ruining his career. Nonetheless, he enjoys a fan-following of around 60 million, while he is contemplating a comeback to the sport following his retirement a year back.

Sachin Tendulkar: The legendary former cricketer, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar is no stranger to the sport worldwide and needs no introduction for his cricketing achievements. Having retired from the sport entirely in 2016, he still enjoys a magnificent fan base of around 70-80 million. Even now when he is in the stadium, fans continue to cheer 'Sachin...Sachin'.

Virat Kohli: The Indian skipper, too, needs no introduction, as he is currently rated the world's best batsman. As he continues to script record with each passing game, he has to enjoy a strong fan base. Also, his personal life adds to it, owing to his marriage with Bollywood hottie Anushka Sharma. He reportedly has fans of around 80-90 million.

MS Dhoni: The former Indian skipper is considered the 'God of Cricket' after Tendulkar. It is under his leadership that India has won the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, besides winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and also helping India become the number one Test side. Undoubtedly, he has the greatest fan-following among all cricketers in the world, which is estimated to be around a billion.