As many as five sportspersons were part of the top 10 most searched persons in 2024 but the list did not feature prominent Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who had an eventful year while none of India's six medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics including Neeraj Chopra did not make the cut.

Vinesh Phogat, who had a roller-coaster year was India's top searched personality this year according to results released by Google (Google's Most Searched 2024). The star wrestler creatd history in Paris by becoming India's first female Wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, just hours before she was set to enter the ring and attempt becoming India's first female Olympic champion, she was disqualified after failing a weigh-in.

Phogat announced her retirement from the sport but filed a case in the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to be awarded a silver medal. However, her appeal was rejected. Later, the three-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist joined the Congress Party and contested the 2024 Haryana Assembly Election and was elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Julana.

Hardik Pandya was the fourth most searched (second among sportspersons) in India in 2024. The star all-rounder was in the center of attention in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he faced severe public backlash after replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain.

Later, he played a vital role with both bat and ball in India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hardik also announced his divorce with wife Natasa Stankovic this year.

Shashank Singh was sixth on the elite list after a breakthrough season with the Punjab Kings (PBKS), which came on the back of him sparking major controversy after the Punjab-based franchise's actions on the auction table indicated his signing was a case of mistaken identity. Ahead of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, Shashank was retained for Rs. 5.5 crore.

Cricketer Abhishek Sharma was India's 9th most searched personality in 2024. The 24-year-old played a key role in Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) reaching the 2024 IPL final. He made 484 runs in 16 matches at a stunning strike rate of 204.21. The youngster is the first player in history to score more than 400 runs in a season with a strike rate above 200.

Sharma was rewarded with an India call-up and made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe. He scored his maiden century for the country in just his second appearance for the national team.

Lakshya Sen was 10th in the list of the most searched personalities in India this year. The Indian badminton star came close to winning a medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics but lost in the semi-final and was defeated in the bronze medal clash despite winning the first set in both games. The 23-year-old was on the cusp of history and would have become the first Indian male shuttler to win an Olympic medal.

Apart from the five sporting stars, Nitish Kumar (2), Chirag Paswan (3), Pawan Kalyan (4), Poonam Pandey (7), and Radhika Merchant (8) feature in the list.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports and around the world.