Virat Kohli has always been a superstar on the cricket field, but now he's dominating social media like only a true icon can. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, Kohli earns a mind-blowing ₹12 crore for every post he makes on Instagram. Yes, per post. That puts him among the highest-paid athletes on the planet when it comes to social influence  and he’s not even trying hard.

With over 270 million followers, Kohli’s Instagram is more than just a platform it’s a phenomenon. Every time he shares something  be it a fitness routine, a brand shoot, or a quiet family moment it explodes with likes, shares, and comments. His reach isn’t just big, it’s global. And when brands want attention, they know one post from King Kohli can do the job like nothing else.

This kind of earning isn't just about numbers  it’s about trust. Kohli has built a brand people admire, follow, and believe in. His personality off the field is just as strong as his game on it. And that’s exactly why brands are willing to shell out crores to be part of his space.

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King Kohli: More Than Just a Cricketer, A Global Icon in Sport and Influence

Virat has become more than a sportsman he’s a complete brand. From luxury watches to sportswear to grooming products, he's the go-to face for anything aspirational. And the thing is, it never feels forced. Whether he's promoting a product or just being himself, he connects with people in a way that's genuine.

And maybe that’s what sets him apart. In a world full of influencers, Kohli isn’t just selling  he’s leading. He’s grown with his audience, kept it real, and never stopped delivering  on and off the field. The ₹12 crore price tag? It’s just another reminder that King Kohli is in a league of his own.

A flag-related controversy broke out ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy after a social media post, which included a photo and a short video, claimed that the Indian national flag was missing from a display of flags of participating nations at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi in Pakistan. This accusation hit home quickly enough because of the already tense political situation inbetween India and Pakistan, and not to mention India had also earlier moved their tournament matches to Dubai, due to their concern regarding security while travelling to Pakistan.

 The post on social media soon caught traction, prompting queries over if the missing flag was a conscious show of disrespect or simply an administrative blunder.

How as the media in both india and pakistan cover the controvercy ?

The way different media outlets present the incident could shape public opinon and diplomatic reactions. The tweet closely suggested this as an intentional omission, perhaps in some act of revenge or symbolism, and yet, the reality behind the lost flag is not clear .It’s possible that it was planned, that there was a logistics error, or that the display of flags had not yet been completed when the photo and video were taken.  The precise timing of the social media posting is critical, as is the requirement to independently corroborate the underlying media. Moreover, given that India wasn't scheduled at the National Bank Stadium, the lack of their flag there might seem like a separate issue but does not necessarily mean the oversight was not serious. Importantly, as it stands, the Pakistan Cricket Board, stadium management and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address the allegations. It illustrates how sensitive sporting relations between India and Pakistan are and how easily such incidents can have a political consequence. Interpreting this news responsibly means doing so carefully, waiting on confirmation from multiple credible sources and official explanations, and holding off on definitive conclusions.

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The launch of ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial’ by sports historian Boria Majumdar has drawn attention to his challenging journey, which has been marked by social media backlash and personal trials. The book, officially introduced on Tuesday, sheds light on the tumultuous period faced by Majumdar, with notable support from figures like Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand.

Background of the Controversy

Majumdar’s ban from covering cricket stemmed from allegations made by a cricketer, resulting in a barrage of social media attacks that deeply affected him and his family. The book presents a candid account of this period, offering insights into the events leading up to the ban and its repercussions.

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Impact on Mental and Emotional Well-being

The relentless trolling on social media took a toll on Majumdar’s mental and emotional health, as well as that of his family members, including his wife, sister, and young daughter. The book delves into the profound impact of online abuse and the challenges of coping with such adversity.

Motivation Behind Writing the Book

Driven to share his story and seek closure, Majumdar decided to document his experience in ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial.’ Despite the irreparable loss of opportunities and the strain on his family, he felt compelled to confront the issue head-on.

Quotes from Boria Majumdar

Reflecting on the ordeal, Majumdar emphasizes the debilitating nature of social media trials and the resilience required to withstand them. He acknowledges the power dynamics at play and the lasting scars left by the experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Boria said, “A social media trial can break you. There were thousands of tweets of abuse for days on end, all premised on a set of untruths pushed by someone hugely powerful because he had played for the country and the national team. Against the entitled, I never stood a chance. The online trial forced me and the family to draw on every last bit of inner strength, and yet left permanent scars.”

“Having served the ban, I wanted closure in the form of this book. But no one knows better that there will never be a full stop. I will not get back the two years of opportunities that I lost, or the days and evenings when I was almost a stranger to my daughter,” he added.

Contributions from Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand

Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand offer their perspectives on the dangers of social media abuse and the importance of focusing on one’s strengths amidst adversity. Their words of encouragement underscore the need for resilience in the face of online abuse.

Gopichand explained, “With the continuous social media abuse, we tend to lose hope. Losing hope and motivation is the worst thing that can happen to us. When this controversy happened my only advice to Boria was to focus on what he does best – his journalism – and forget everything else.”

“I think as athletes and as a community, we stand for certain values and should be very careful with what we say or put out for we have a certain currency. What we put out on social media I think is something that we must be very wary of and do it with a degree of responsibility,” the Olympic gold medalist Bindra said.

Perils of Social Media Trials

The book underscores the dangers of social media trials, where false narratives and targeted attacks can wreak havoc on individuals and their families. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.

Through Majumdar’s journey, readers glean insights into navigating social media controversies and preserving one’s well-being. The book offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-care, and seeking support during challenging times.

Majumdar’s wife, Sharmistha Gooptu said, “I can only be thankful that my daughter was then 8 and not 14 or 15 and not on social media to witness her father’s humiliation. The trolls did not spare her or me.”