Explained: Why did Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni lose their ‘Blue’ verification tick from Twitter

Amid the ongoing changes in the social media platform Twitter, several Indian cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni lost their verification tick. The social media platform removed their ‘legacy verification mark’ as they haven’t enrolled themselves in the paid Twitter Blue service.

Apart from cricket stars, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also lost their verification mark. To increase revenue, Twitter CEO Elon Musk has come up with this idea. Notably, in India, people will need to pay 900 rupees per month to use ‘Twitter Blue’ services on Mobile Phones. If anyone wants it on a Desktop then they will have to pay around 600 rupees per month.

Elon Musk made various changes to Twitter

Under Musk’s ownership, Twitter has altered how it distributes the coveted blue checkmarks, which were formerly granted to notable individuals, journalists, CEOs, politicians, and organisations after their identities were verified. They were a sign of authenticity.

Musk stated in November that Twitter will begin charging $8 per month for the badge to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising. Later, the company introduced checkmarks in several colours, including gold for businesses and grey for government and multilateral organisations and officials.

So, it’s now official that Indian celebrities including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni will have to pay for the verification mark. All of these players are currently busy in the ongoing Indian Premier League. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 28th game of the tournament at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians led by Rohit Sharma will be facing Punjab Kings on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Notably, after beating Punjab Kings in their last game Royal Challengers Bangalore will now head to Bengaluru to face Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.