In a remarkable digital milestone, Virat Kohli has emerged as the most searched Asian celebrity on Wikipedia in 2023, surpassing the likes of Bollywood icon Shahrukh Khan and global star Priyanka Chopra. Kohli’s search popularity soared to an astounding 10.7 million, outshining Shahrukh Khan, who was searched 7.7 million times, and Priyanka Chopra with 6.5 million searches. This feat is particularly noteworthy considering Shahrukh Khan’s universal appeal and Priyanka Chopra’s international acclaim, having ventured into Hollywood.
Kohli’s magnetic charisma and an extensive fan following have contributed to his virtual prominence. His popularity extends beyond cricket, making him a household name in India and across the globe. The announcement comes shortly after Google revealed its year-long search trends, where Virat Kohli secured the title of the most searched cricketer, while football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the top spot as the most searched athlete.
2021-22 also witnessed significant developments in Kohli’s cricketing career. The former Indian captain retired from captaincy in all formats amid reported tensions with Sourav Ganguly, who was then the BCCI president. Kohli’s departure as Test captain was abrupt, effective immediately from January 2022, and he had previously announced his decision to step down from T20I captaincy after the World Cup in UAE in 2021.
Notably, Kohli expressed his desire to continue leading the ODI side, but the BCCI had different plans, appointing Rohit Sharma as the new captain. This decision marked a significant shift in the team’s leadership dynamics. However, Rohit Sharma, along with some senior players, has been absent from T20I matches recently, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping up as captain in Rohit’s absence.
Stats of most searched Asian on Wikipedia
Reflecting on Virat Kohli’s illustrious cricketing journey, his career statistics underscore his dominance and consistency across all formats. In the Test arena, Kohli has played 112 matches, amassing a staggering 8790 runs at an impressive average of 49.38. His highest score, an unbeaten 254, showcases his ability to convert starts into monumental innings. With 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries, Kohli has been a linchpin for the Indian Test team.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Kohli’s record is nothing short of phenomenal. Having participated in 292 matches, he has accumulated 13,848 runs at a remarkable average of 58.67. Kohli’s ODI centuries, totaling 50, stand as a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure. His highest score of 183 further emphasizes his knack for building substantial innings. Additionally, he boasts an impressive strike rate of 93.58, indicative of his ability to maintain a brisk scoring rate.
Kohli’s prowess extends to the T20 International format, where he has played 115 matches and scored 4008 runs at a remarkable average of 52.73. His highest score in T20Is, an unbeaten 122, highlights his adaptability and skill in the shortest format. With a strike rate of 137.96, Kohli has consistently been a formidable force in T20 cricket, contributing with both the bat and his astute leadership.
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