Virat Kohli Seeks Spiritual Solace in Vrindavan After Test Retirement

New Delhi. A day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, accompanied by his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, visited the sacred town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. The couple sought blessings from spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan, popularly known as Premanand Ji Maharaj, at his ashram.

Hours after his announcement, Kohli and Anushka were spotted in Vrindavan. The couple, known for their spiritual inclinations, visited Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram, where they knelt before the guru and engaged in a heartfelt exchange. Videos circulating online show them arriving by car, while photos capture them listening attentively as the yellow-robed guru spoke through a microphone.

In one viral clip, Premanand Ji Maharaj asked Kohli, “Prasanna ho? (Are you happy?)” to which the cricketer replied, “Ji, abhi thik hain (Yes, I’m okay).” The guru responded, “You should stay well,” before sharing a profound message: “Prosperity is not merely God’s grace, it is the result of virtue (punya)… Live fully engaged in the world, but let your inner self change. Your inner thoughts should be: ‘Lord, enough of all worldly experiences, now, I seek only You’.” When Sharma inquired, “Kya jap se ho jaega? (Will chanting suffice?)”, the guru emphasized inner transformation over ritual.

Spiritual Bond

This is not the couple’s first encounter with Premanand Ji Maharaj. They reportedly met him in January 2023 and again in January 2025, reflecting their ongoing spiritual journey. Kohli and Sharma, often private about their personal lives, have previously visited other spiritual sites, including ashrams in Rishikesh and temples in Ujjain, drawing admiration for their humility and devotion.

The latest visit, however, has struck a chord with fans, coming at a pivotal moment in Kohli’s career. Social media platforms, particularly X, are abuzz with images of the couple in simple attire, kneeling respectfully before the guru. Fans have praised their grounded nature, with one X post reading, “Virat and Anushka seeking blessings after such a big decision — this is why they’re loved beyond cricket and cinema.”

The viral photos and videos have fueled discussions about Kohli’s post-retirement plans and the couple’s spiritual leanings. While some fans speculate that Kohli may focus on limited-overs cricket or take up mentoring roles, others see the Vrindavan visit as a sign of his search for peace after an intense career. Sharma, meanwhile, continues to balance her acting and production ventures with her personal commitments.