Virat Kohli denies claim that him and Anushka Sharma were being paid Rs 5 crore for visiting Premanand ji Maharaj: ‘Purely out of his deep faith and reverence’ |

The death of a disciple of Premanand ji Maharaj has brought renewed attention to his Vrindavan ashram, with allegations being made about the way the establishment was allegedly promoted and used by certain groups. Among the claims that surfaced was one involving cricketer Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma and their visit to Premanand ji Maharaj. The allegation was made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. Following the death of Premanand Maharaj’s disciple Rasik Dulari under mysterious circumstances at the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram, Sharma alleged that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property builder lobby had spent Rs 5 crore to facilitate Kohli’s first visit to the ashram.With the allegation now being widely discussed, Kohli’s team has issued a clarification, firmly denying that he was paid to visit the spiritual leader. The official statement 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.”The statement also made it clear that Kohli’s visits were motivated by his personal faith rather than any financial arrangement. “Mr Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji,” it read.

Kohli’s team further urged media organisations and others sharing the allegation to verify the claims before amplifying them. “We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly.”For those not in the know, Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma made the allegation in a letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He claimed that the money was allegedly spent to bring Kohli to the ashram in a bid to increase its popularity and reach. He also alleged that a builder lobby and land mafia had been using the name of Premanand Maharaj’s ashram for public relations and an alleged extortion racket. These allegations have not been established, and the investigation into Rasik Dulari’s death is underway.Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma first visited Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan on January 4, 2023, to seek his blessings. Their association with the spiritual leader continued after that, with the couple making several visits over the years, including around IPL matches and during their trips to India from London.Their visits have repeatedly attracted attention on the internet, with videos from the ashram often going viral. The couple’s most recent visit was on July 22, 2026, when they were seen walking barefoot through the drizzle at the Vrindavan ashram to seek Premanand Maharaj’s blessings.