Virat Kohli on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, bluntly claims Ross Taylor

Former New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor heaped rich praise on India batter Virat Kohli. He while talking about the influence of social media in the current era stated that Kohli is right up there in the ranks with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Virat Kohli arguably is one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. The India batter not only has made himself a huge name in the cricketing world but he has set himself huge standards and is seen as one of the most popular sportspersons in the world.

Virat Kohli enjoys a huge fan following and it isn’t limited to India only. Wherever the right-hander goes, there are chants of “Kohli Kohli”. Apart from the cricketing front, the batter has been a global icon in the world and this is quite evident from the following that he has.

Virat Kohli has a massive social media following and is rated on the same bar as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lebron James, and others. Even the International Cricket Council is using his name to promote cricket in parts of the world where cricket isn’t popular.

While talking about the impact of social media, Ross Taylor claimed that Virat Kohli is not only a superstar in the world of cricket but in the world of sports. Speaking on Raman Raheja, a media professional, on 180 Not Out podcast, he stated:

"Players are putting outposts endorsing products and things like that. Who would have thought of that in 2008? Someone like Kohli, who is a superstar in the world of cricket, but is also a global superstar in the world of sports. In terms of Instagram and social media, he's up there with Ronaldo and Messi!"

"Yeah, I think you are more accessible, don't think sportsmen are just as critiqued. I think movie stars, Bollywood stars, politicians are all under the microscope now because of social media but I don't think that is a bad thing.”

Virat Kohli to be next seen in action during the T20 World Cup 2024

India batter Virat Kohli will be next seen in action for the national team during the T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament will begin on 1st June in the United States of America and the Caribbean with the final set to take place on 30th June.

Virat Kohli was last seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The batter looked in tremendous touch in the league but despite his effort with the bat, his team couldn’t win as they finished 4th on the points table.

Virat Kohli ended the tournament as the leading scorer with 741 runs to his name in 15 innings at an average of 61.75. He also scored one hundred and five fifties in the tournament at a strike rate of over 154. He would be keen to carry on that form in the T20 World Cup 2024 and help India win.