Team Kohli denies claims of money paid for Vrindavan spiritual visit

Cricketer Virat Kohli's spokesperson has strongly denied allegations made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma that the player received Rs 5 crore to visit spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj.

The Allegation

Dinesh Sharma, who heads the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, claimed in a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property builder group spent the money to arrange Kohli's first visit in 2023. Sharma alleged this was done to boost the ashram's popularity and claimed a builder lobby used the ashram's name for public relations following the mysterious death of a disciple named Rasik Dulari at the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram.

The Denial

Kohli's office issued a statement calling the claims completely false, baseless, and factually incorrect. The official statement emphasized that Kohli visits the spiritual leader purely out of personal faith and deep reverence. The spokesperson also urged media outlets to exercise due diligence and verify facts before amplifying such statements. Reports examining the allegation noted there is no verified evidence or official documentation to support the claim.

Background

Virat Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, first visited Vrindavan on January 4, 2023, and have returned multiple times since, including trips before and after IPL matches and during visits from London. Their most recent documented visit occurred on July 22, 2026, when the couple walked barefoot through the drizzle to meet the spiritual leader.

Context

Public figures and athletes often face unverified rumors and claims regarding their personal lives and private activities. Spiritual visits by prominent celebrities naturally draw massive public interest and media coverage in India. Authorities continue to look into the separate matters surrounding the ashram following the ongoing investigation into the disciple's death.