No Indian Cricketer is more popular than Sachin in India. Yet Sachinis having no problems living in India. What is so abhorrent about India that Kohli deems it unworthy to live and raise his kids in the country? The country gave him everything and this is how he thanks his country?
Also, to answer your question, popularity of Sachin and Virat is different.
Sachin Tendulkar has always been loved primarily for his batting, and people still cherish him for making their 90s special. Everyone in India adores him, regardless of their state, religion, age, or background. Because of this universal respect and admiration, people usually don't mob him when he is out in public.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, rose to fame during the era of social media. His popularity extends beyond his batting. Girls admired him and wished for a boyfriend like him, while boys aspired to emulate his fitness and six-pack abs. His connections with Bollywood celebrities, his aggressive persona, his appearances at parties, and his speaking skills in interviews and podcasts further elevated his fame.
For example, his mention of a chole bhature shop in Delhi from his teenage days turned the shop owner into a celebrity—quite amusing! However, there are also controversies that have led a section of society to dislike him, such as his comments during Diwali about air pollution. Kohli's popularity is somewhat polarizing, much like John Cena's—where one section chants "Let's go Cena" while another enjoys booing him.
As far as I know, Kohli's fame has never been solely about his batting; it has been amplified by his vibrant life outside cricket. His batting, though exceptional, has often felt like an added bonus to his overall persona.
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