In the realm of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli’s bat might not be as frequently heard this year due to shifting dynamics within the national team, but his financial clout continues to resonate on the popular photo and video blogging platform, Instagram. Recent reports unveil that Kohli, the talismanic cricketer, commanded a staggering INR 11.45 crore for each sponsored post he shared on Instagram in the recently published 2023 list. This monetary feat places him as the highest-earning Indian on the platform.
Dominating the Instagram earnings chart globally, Kohli’s record-setting figures are rivalled only by two football legends—Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. These towering icons not only illuminate the sports arena with their prowess but have also harnessed their influence to flourish in the digital sphere.
Mike Bandar, the co-founder of Hopper HQ, expressed his astonishment at the steady surge in earnings exhibited by these international superstars on Instagram. He underscored the transcendent nature of their impact, emphasizing how their reach extends far beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
“The annual escalation of earnings on this platform never ceases to amaze me,” Bandar shared. “Yet, what truly captivates my attention is the enduring presence of certain individuals at the zenith.”
He went on to highlight the enduring allure of traditional celebrity glamour, illustrating that personalities like Ronaldo and Messi wield an enduring sway that supersedes the burgeoning ‘influencer’ status. Their dual dominance in both the athletic arena and the digital realm underscores their mastery in personal branding and the remarkable influence it exerts on the broader populace.
Among the Indian luminaries adorning this list, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, an accomplished Bollywood and Hollywood actor, takes the 29th spot. Her own earnings on Instagram are noteworthy, with each post commanding a substantial USD 532,000 (equivalent to INR 4.40 crore), as outlined by the report.