07 October,2026 12:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Premanand Maharaji`s pic via Instagram
A viral claim alleging that Virat Kohli was paid Rs 5 crore to visit Premanand Maharaj's Vrindavan ashram has triggered a social media controversy. Now, the cricketer's team has responded to the allegation, calling it 'completely false.'
Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, had alleged that Rs 5 crore was facilitated to bring Kohli to Premanand Maharaj's ashram. The allegation has not been verified. No public record of payment, contract or other details has been found to prove that Kohli was paid Rs 5 crore for visiting the ashram.
Addressing the claim, Kohli's spokesperson called the allegation "completely false, baseless and factually incorrect."
The spokesperson said, "We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regard to Mr Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect." The spokesperson also stated that Kohli's visits to Premanand Maharaj are purely done on the basis of his personal faith and utmost respect for the spiritual leader.
Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma have visited Premanand Maharaj on several occasions. Their first reported visit took place in January 2023, and the couple have subsequently returned to the ashram several times and have publicly interacted with the spiritual leader.
Their arrival has continued through major moments in Kohli's career, including his Test retirement in 2025. Their most recent visit happened in July 2026.
Anushka and Virat have been married since 2017. The couple tied the knot at an intimate ceremony in Italy. They are parents to daughter Vamika and son Akaay, and have reportedly shifted to the UK. The couple has stayed silent about their residence outside India.
While Virat Kohli continues his cricketing career, Anushka Sharma has deliberately maintained a low profile, choosing to prioritise her family life with husband Virat and their two children, Vamika and Akaay, rather than making public appearances. Unlike many of her Bollywood contemporaries, the actor is rarely seen at occasions or actively posting pictures on social media. As a result, every fan-captured video of Anushka and Virat quickly makes headlines, delighting fans who eagerly await glimpses of the couple.
