New Delhi: Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli’s official spokesperson has categorically rejected the ₹5 crore claim made by him for visiting Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. The spokesperson called the claim “completely false, baseless, and factually incorrect.”
Virat Kohli’s spokesperson stated that he visits Premanand Maharaj’s ashram solely out of his deep faith and devotion. He appealed to the media to properly verify the facts before publishing or amplifying any claims.
Claim of ₹5 crore spent
This claim has been made by Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Trust and known as “Falahari Maharaj.”
According to reports, a letter sent to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that a private company in Rajasthan spent ₹5 crore to bring Virat Kohli to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram.
However, Kohli’s spokesperson has denied this claim.
Virat Visited the Ashram Multiple Times with Anushka
Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma first visited Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan in January 2023 with their daughter Vamika.
The two subsequently met with Premanand Maharaj in 2025. After announcing his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, Virat Kohli met with Maharaj again.
Premanand Maharaj Gives a Spiritual Message to Virat and Anushka
During one meeting, Premanand Maharaj spoke with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma about life, humility, and spirituality. He advised them to view their work as service, maintain seriousness, remain humble, and chant the name of God.
In another meeting with Virat Kohli after his retirement from Test cricket, Premanand Maharaj explained to him that prosperity and success in life should not be seen only as achievements, but that it is also important to transform one’s inner thoughts.
He said that a person can live a normal life while living in the world, but his inner thinking should change and instead of the desire for fame or glory, he should have the feeling of attaining God.