Cricket
holds a special place in the hearts of millions across India, with fans passionately following every move of their favorite cricketers. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Virat Kohli enjoy massive fanbases, with their fame reaching almost mythical proportions within the country. However, this intense recognition doesn't always extend beyond India's borders, as a recent viral video highlights.
'Who Virat Kohli is?': The viral video
A video recently surfaced on Instagram that caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
The clip, shot in a foreign country, features a host stopping random passersby, asking them if they know who Virat Kohli is or if they've even heard of cricket. Much to the shock of Indian fans, the responses were overwhelmingly negative.
In the video, the host begins by asking two men, "Do you know who Virat Kohli is?" Both men, without hesitation, admit they have no idea who the cricket star is. The host then turns to a woman and poses the same question, "Have you heard of Virat Kohli?" Initially confused, she too confirms that she’s unfamiliar with the name.
Cricket's popularity divide: India vs. The World
The video continues as the host approaches more people, asking the same questions. Each time, the answer remains the same—none of the individuals interviewed had ever heard of Virat Kohli or cricket. This highlights the stark difference in the sport's popularity within India and globally. While Kohli is revered as a cricketing superstar in his homeland, cricket remains a relatively niche sport in many other parts of the world, where other sports like soccer or basketball dominate.
Social media reactions
Since being posted, the video has garnered over 1.6 million views on Instagram and sparked a flood of reactions. Thousands of users have liked, shared, and commented on the post, expressing everything from surprise to amusement.
One user quipped, "If you ask about Ronaldo, they'll know," referring to the global fame of football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose recognition transcends borders. Another user called Virat Kohli "the king" in the comments, showcasing the immense pride Indian fans take in their cricket stars.
A user named Suraj pointed out the obvious cultural divide, stating, "When cricket isn’t famous worldwide, how will they know Virat Kohli?" Another amused commenter asked, "Brother, which country have you gone to?" as others filled the comment section with shock emojis and disbelief.
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