Cricket has long ago gone past its sporting confines and is now a cultural and digital phenomenon (especially on social media). According to HypeAuditor's latest rankings, three Indian sports stars are among the three most influential cricketers on Instagram - Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Rohit Sharma. Each has a legion of followers, engagement, and global reach as cricketing icons, and subsequently normalizes conversations regarding topics that have nothing to do with the game.

Virat Kohli - The World's Leader

What else can be said about Kohli? Firstly, he is not only one of the greatest batters of his generation, but he is also a true global sporting brand. Virat Kohli has over 270+ million followers, and manages to stay relevant to an audience that goes well beyond his cricket brand. Kohli's posts - whether the subject is fitness, family, collaboration with a brand, or just about anything – generate enormous engagement. However, the real asset to Kohli's is the most considerable follower account - he connects probably the best with his fans. It represents the true value of an athlete's standing in the Instagram follower lists, as nothing is more valuable than engaging fans with authentic storytelling usage. Kohli wears the 'crown' - he is the king of cricketers on Instagram.

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Hardik Pandya – The Style Icon

Second place goes to India's flamboyant all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Pandya is known for his resilient style of play and equal daring personality off the field. He has built a reputation as a youth icon by exhibiting on his Instagram lifestyle, which encompasses everything from stylish attire and family moments to clips of his journey on the cricket field. With millions of young followers hanging onto his every post, Pandya has become both an entertainer and influencer.

Rohit Sharma – The People’s Captain

Rounding out the top three is India's captain Rohit Sharma. Sharma, nicknamed "Hitman" due to his batting feats, has built a strong digital following for himself. He cleverly uses his Instagram to provide a mixed bag of updates from his personal life to his batting highlights while giving fans an insight into what type of person and leader he is, beyond the boundary. It is his relatability and calm character, both on and off the field, that draw an audience and strengthen his influence in the digital domain.

Together, Kohli, Pandya, and Rohit demonstrate how one can integrate cricket and social media in today's world. Away from the runs and milestones, they are creating culture, style, and brand narrative through their influence worldwide. Their growth in popularity and as Instagram influencers speaks volumes about Indian cricket's unprecedented appeal and influence to connect fans from any corner of the world.