NEW DELHI, OCT 7: A spokesperson for Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on Wednesday rejected allegations that the star batter was paid to make his first visit to the ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, describing the claims as “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect.”
Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, are devotees of Premanand Maharaj and have visited his ashram in Vrindavan on several occasions.
The denial came after Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma allegedly claimed that Kohli had received Rs 5 crore for his first visit to the ashram in 2023.
“We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regards to Mr. Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect,” Kohli’s spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said Kohli’s visits to the ashram were driven by his “deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji”.
“We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly,” the statement added.
Kohli and Anushka have continued to visit the ashram at various points in the cricketer’s career, including following his retirement from Test cricket in 2025.
Their most recently reported visit to the ashram took place in July this year.
