Former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has lauded Virat Kohli, calling him a “global superstar in the world of sports” on par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In the sixth episode of the podcast series “180 Not Out,” Taylor emphasized Kohli’s immense influence on social media and the modern cricketer’s life.
Taylor, who played 112 Tests and 236 ODIs for New Zealand, highlighted how players like Kohli have become more accessible through social media. He noted, “Players are putting out posts endorsing products and things like that. Who would have thought of that in 2008? Kohli is a superstar in cricket and a global superstar in sports. In terms of Instagram and social media, he’s up there with Ronaldo and Messi!”
Taylor also discussed the increased scrutiny that athletes face today due to social media, comparing their situation to movie stars and politicians.
The podcast also featured insights from former Australian pacer Brett Lee and former Australian cricketer Michael Bevan. Lee discussed the dual nature of mobile cameras in the social media era, stating, “The phone camera was the best thing and the worst thing ever invented. The best thing is to capture beautiful memories, but the privacy now, for players, has been cut in half because you are on show everywhere.”
Bevan emphasized the impact of social media on young players, suggesting they need to make conscious decisions about how much they engage with it.
The “180 Not Out” podcast explores the rich history of cricket and its evolution, covering topics such as the sport’s impact on players, commercialisation, coaching, fitness, and future prospects. Hosted by Raman Raheja, the series aims to be the biggest cricket podcast featuring over 60 legends in a single season.
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