Kohli says it's 'surreal' to have 50M Instagram followers

VIRAT KOHLI, known for breaking sporting records, has become the first Indian to garner 50 million followers on Instagram.

The Indian cricket captain had 930 Instagram posts and two IGTV videos, and followed 148 people.

In video posted on Instagram, Kohli described the milestone as “quite surreal” and thanked his fans for their “love and support”.

Kohli is closely followed by actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas (49.9 million) and Deepika Padukone (44.1 million).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a sensation on social media, came eighth, with 34.4 million followers.

Globally, ace footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was the topper on Instagram, with more than 200 million followers. He’s trailed by musician Ariana Grande (175 million followers) and Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson (172 million).

Lauded as one of the finest batsmen today, Kohli, 31, is also India's most valued celebrity. Global advisory firm Duff and Phelps said Kohli topped the brand valuation list for the third year in a row, up by 39 per cent to £182.8 million last year.

Recent reports said Kohli charged about £146,150 per commercial post on Instagram.

Kohli is currently leading Team India in New Zealand where the two teams will face each other in a two-Test series beginning Friday. Last year, he had become the most successful Indian Test captain, surpassing MS Dhoni.