Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has categorically denied allegations that he received commercial payments to visit Vrindavan spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj. The former Indian captain dismissed claims that a commercial arrangement orchestrated his first visit to the ashram. He stressed that his spiritual journeys stem exclusively from personal devotion and reverence.
The clarification came via an official statement issued on Wednesday by Kohli’s management team. As reported by The Indian Express, Kohli described the monetary accusations as completely false, baseless, and factually incorrect. The response followed sensational public assertions suggesting a private entity spent Rs 5 crore to secure his appearance.
Firm Rebuttal from Kohli’s Representation
The controversy emerged after public claims surfaced regarding the cricketer’s initial visit to the holy town. In their formal statement, representatives clarified that neither Kohli nor his actor wife, Anushka Sharma, ever accepted money for their visits to religious centers.
According to coverage by The Times of India, the spokesperson underscored the personal nature of the visit. The statement emphasized that Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and spiritual devotion. His team condemned attempts to monetize or tarnish a sincere personal pilgrimage.
Origins of the Controversial Allegation
The allegations were raised by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, head of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. Sharma addressed a formal letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The communication followed the mysterious demise of an ashram disciple named Rasik Dulari at the Radha Keli Kunj premises.
Details published by ThePrint explain that Sharma alleged an unholy nexus between local real estate lobbies and religious institutions. He claimed a Rajasthan-based builder syndicate paid Rs 5 crore to bring the star cricketer to Vrindavan in early 2023. Sharma alleged the visit was designed to drive publicity and real estate value around the ashram’s vicinity.
The Couple’s Longstanding Spiritual Roots
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have frequently visited spiritual destinations across the country over the last few years. Their pilgrimages to Vrindavan, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, and ashrams in Uttarakhand have been documented regularly.
Reporting from Rediff notes that viral videos from early 2023 showed the celebrity couple sitting quietly on the ashram floor. They listened attentively to discourses and sought personal blessings alongside ordinary pilgrims. Devotees and close associates noted that the couple sought spiritual solace and mental calm away from their high-pressure public careers.
Call for Responsible and Verified Reporting
Concluding their rebuttal, Kohli’s representatives expressed deep disappointment over the spread of unverified rumors. They urged news outlets and digital platforms to maintain journalistic standards and verify source claims before publishing defamatory allegations.
The statement cautioned that sensationalizing unfounded statements harms public sentiment and disrespects respected spiritual teachers. Authorities in Mathura continue their administrative inquiry into the unconnected disciple death that triggered the dispute. Meanwhile, Kohli’s team reiterated that the cricketer’s relationship with Maharaj Ji remains entirely spiritual and untouched by commercial considerations.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
