Virat Kohli emerges as most googled Asian celebrity of 2023, beats BTS' V & Jungkook

Former India captain Virat Kohli has achieved yet another milestone off the field by becoming the most-searched personality in Asia for 2023, surpassing popular Korean pop band BTS members V and Jungkook. Kohli emerged as the most-searched Asian celebrity on Google, the world's most popular search engine. 

3 things you need to know

• Virat Kohli has roared back to form after a dismal show for three years
• Kohli recently scored his 47th century in ODI cricket
• Kohli will next be seen in action during the third ODI against Australia 

Also Read: From Virat Kohli To Rohit Sharma, Here's How Indian Cricket Stars Marked Ganesh Chaturthi

Virat Kohli, the most-searched Asian of 2023

While members of BTS, V, and Jungkook held the top spots in searches until June, the latest Google Trends data reveals that Virat Kohli has taken the lead as the most Googled individual in Asia during the first half of 2023. This accolade adds to Kohli's growing list of achievements, as he is also the most-followed Asian on Instagram and the third most-followed athlete in the world after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. 

Kohli's ascent in search popularity followed his remarkable performance, which included his 47th One-Day International (ODI) century in a Super Four clash against Pakistan during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, where India emerged victorious. In the same match, Kohli achieved the distinction of becoming the fastest batter to reach 13,000 ODI runs, accomplishing this feat in just 267 innings, compared to Sachin Tendulkar's 321 innings.

Also Read: 'Many Didn't Even Win Once': Gambhir Again Takes A Dig At Kohli With Rohit Sharma Praise

While Kohli has earned a place in India's squad for the upcoming ODIs against Australia, he is set to feature only in the third and final encounter at Rajkot. Other key players, such as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav, have been rested for the first two matches, with KL Rahul taking on the captaincy responsibilities. Following the ODIs, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in India. Kohli is also part of the Indian squad selected for the ICC event. 

India vs Australia: Full schedule

• 1st ODI: September 22 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (1:30 PM IST)
• 2nd ODI: September 24 at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore (1:30 PM IST)
• 3rd ODI: September 27 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot (1:30 PM IST)

Image: AP/X