Virat Kohli's spokesperson has issued a strong clarification after allegations surfaced claiming that money was allegedly spent to facilitate the cricketer's visits to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan. The spokesperson has categorically rejected the claim, calling it “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect” and maintaining that Kohli's visits are driven purely by his personal faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji.
The controversy began after Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj and president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, allegedly claimed on social media that ₹5 crore had been spent by a Rajasthan-based group or builder lobby to bring Kohli to the ashram for publicity and public relations. The claim subsequently drew attention online, prompting a response from Kohli's team.
In an official statement, Virat Kohli's spokesperson said, “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. Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji.” The spokesperson further added, “We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly.”
Kohli's team has therefore sought to make it clear that the cricketer's association with Premanand Maharaj is personal and spiritual, rather than connected to any publicity or promotional arrangement. The clarification comes amid growing public interest in Kohli and Anushka Sharma's visits to the spiritual leader, which have been widely discussed over the past few years.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been visiting Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan since January 4, 2023, and have made multiple visits over the years. Their appearances at the ashram have generally attracted significant attention, with photographs and videos from their spiritual interactions often circulating widely on social media.
With the latest statement, Kohli's spokesperson has firmly rejected the ₹5 crore allegation and urged media outlets and social media users to verify claims before amplifying them. For now, Kohli's team maintains that his visits to Premanand Maharaj are rooted in faith and reverence, directly contradicting the allegation that they were arranged as part of a publicity exercise.