Virat Kohli More Marketable Player than Messi, Djokovic

New Delhi: A UK sports magazine, SportsPro, have named famous Indian cricket player and ‘numero uno’ batsman as the ‘Third Most Marketable Sportsperson’ in the world. Kohli is ranked behind NBA’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ Stephen Curry and Juventus’ Paul Pogba. The fouth rank is occupied by golfer Jordan Speith. Djokovic is 23rd in the list and Messi is following him engaging the 27th position. ‘Sprint King’ Usain Bolt is at the 31st position of the list. Sania Mirza is another Indian player in the list and is holding the 50^th position.

According to reports, the sports magazine have assessed players depending on their value for money, age, home market, charisma, willingness to be marketed and crossover appeal. Depending upon the components to become the most appealing and marketed player of the year, an extensive research on the players’ world ranking was made. The players are also being assessed by their business on sports and on the marketing potential for continuous three following years.

LeBron James was named as the world’s most marketable athlete in the feature’s inaugural year in 2010. This was followed by sprinter Usain Bolt headed the list in 2011. Brazilian soccer star Neymar occupied the number one spot in 2012 and 2013. Neymar is in at the eighth rank this year. In 2014, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton topped the rankings.