Cricketers are more popular than Bollywood stars

Cricket's immense popularity in India and the players' performances on the global stage make them relatable and aspirational figures. In contrast, Bollywood actors, while still significant, are increasingly sharing the spotlight with cricketers. But in the latest research, cricketers have emerged as more popular celebrities than Bollywood stars.

According to the Brand Endorser Report 2024 by Hansa Research, cricketers have surpassed Bollywood actors as leading brand ambassadors in India. Cricketers like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar rank among the top choices for endorsements due to their wide appeal, trustworthiness, and immense fan following.

The list of celebrities: 1-Virat Kohli, 2-MS Dhoni, 3- Sachin Tendulkar, 4- Shah Rukh Khan, 5-Akshay Kumar, 6-Amitabh Bachchan, 7-Allu Arjun, 8- Salman Khan, 9-Hrithik Roshan, 10-Deepika Padukone

Ashish Karnad, the Executive Vice President at Hansa Research, explained how the cricketers have the ability to connect with their fans. “What sets cricketers apart from other celebrities is their unique ability to connect with audiences on both emotional and aspirational levels. Whether it’s the nostalgia tied to legends like Sachin Tendulkar or the electrifying energy of stars like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, their hard work and perseverance have earned them admiration,” Ashish Karnad said.

The research was conducted through online questionnaires to 4000 respondents across 36 cities in India. Their overall appeal was adjudged on the basis of 29 subcategories within broader industry categories.

Kohli is currently in Australia where he is taking part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Dhoni, on the other hand, will be seen in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK).