In the recently unveiled list of the ‘most searched athletes’ in 2023 by Google, only one Indian sports personality secured a position among the global top 10, conspicuously excluding renowned figures like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
This year’s rundown of highly searched sports figures revealed surprising omissions of global football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who made significant transfers to Al-Nassr and Inter Miami respectively. Contrary to expectations, Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were notably absent from the coveted top 10 spots. However, an emerging cricket talent from India managed to secure a place on the list.
Shubman Gill, the promising Indian top-order batsman, emerged as the sole Indian representative on the list of the most searched athletes globally for 2023. His exceptional performance and consistent contributions across all formats secured him the 9th position on this prestigious roster.
Gill’s meteoric rise and outstanding displays throughout the year have positioned him as a prospective batting sensation, significantly contributing to India’s success across formats. Despite his impressive placement, Gill wasn’t the highest-ranked cricketer on the list. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, a proficient batter, clinched the 8th spot, one rank above Gill in the global standings for the most Googled athletes in 2023.
The comprehensive list features a diverse range of sports personalities:
- Damar Hamlin (NFL – Buffalo Bills)
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
- Travis Kelce (NFL)
- Ja Morant (NBA)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Novak Djokovic (Tennis)
- Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis)
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand Cricket)
- Shubman Gill (Indian Cricket)
- Kyrie Irving (NBA – Dallas Mavericks)
At the pinnacle of the rankings sits Damar Hamlin, an NFL star representing the Buffalo Bills, followed closely by Paris Saint-Germain’s striking sensation Kylian Mbappé and NFL’s Travis Kelce in the second and third positions respectively. The list further includes NBA standout Ja Morant at 4th place, and Bayern Munich’s prolific striker Harry Kane at 5th.
Additionally, Novak Djokovic, the most decorated men’s tennis player, secured the 6th spot, while the rising ATP sensation Carlos Alcaraz claimed the 7th position. Completing the top 10 is basketball player Kyrie Irving, currently representing the Dallas Mavericks.