Virat Kohli’s Spokesperson Denies INR ₹5 Crore Claim’ Over Premanand Maharaj Visits, Calls Allegations ‘Baseless’
Virat Kohli's spokesperson has strongly refuted allegations of a ₹5 crore payment for his visits to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, labeling the claims as 'completely false, baseless, and factually incorrect.' The statement, issued on October 7, 2026, emphasizes that Kohli's visits are driven by deep personal faith and reverence, countering the.
Indian cricketing superstar Virat Kohli's team has issued a strong rebuttal against recent allegations suggesting he was paid ₹5 crore for his visits to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan. In an official statement released on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Kohli's spokesperson dismissed the claims as "completely false, baseless and factually incorrect." Virat Kohli Confirms ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 Will Be His Final Appearance For India, Says 'I'm Absolutely Ready'.
The allegations, which rapidly gained traction across social media and news platforms, were reportedly made by Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. Falahari Maharaj, also known as Dinesh Sharma, had allegedly penned a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, claiming that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property-builder lobby had offered or spent ₹5 crore to facilitate Kohli's meeting with the spiritual guru, particularly referencing his first visit in January 2023.
Virat Kohli Spokeperson statement
Visits Driven by 'Deep Faith and Reverence'
Kohli's team clarified that the cricketer's visits to Premanand Maharaj are purely a matter of personal conviction. "Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji," the statement read. The spokesperson further urged media outlets to exercise due diligence and verify facts before reporting or amplifying such unverified statements.
Context of the Controversial Claim
The ₹5 crore claim emerged amid a separate controversy surrounding Premanand Maharaj's ashram, following the recent death of a disciple, Rasik Dulari Sharan (also known as Deepak Lodhi), 25, on September 25, 2026, who reportedly fell from the fourth floor of a building in Vrindavan. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident, which includes the discovery of a grinder and severed private parts in his room, with suicide suspected. Falahari Maharaj's allegations, according to reports, aimed to suggest that the purported payment was made to enhance Premanand Maharaj's public profile and popularity through the former Indian captain.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Spiritual Connection
Virat Kohli, along with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, has frequently visited Premanand Maharaj's Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan over the past few years. Their visits include: Virat Kohli’s Amused Reaction After Fan Flaunts One8 Shoe During IND vs WI 3rd ODI 2026 Goes Viral.
- January 2023: First reported visit with their daughter Vamika.
- December 2025: A visit where they received spiritual guidance.
- June 2026: After Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title win on May 31, 2026, where Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 in the final.
- July 2026: Another visit to the ashram.
The couple is known for their spiritual inclination, often seeking blessings and guidance from the spiritual leader. Their representatives have consistently emphasized that these visits are rooted in personal faith, devoid of any commercial arrangements. The strong denial from Kohli's team aims to put an end to the "baseless" allegations and uphold the sanctity of his personal spiritual practices. These repeated visits underscore the couple's profound personal faith and their quest for spiritual solace, entirely separate from any commercial considerations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2026 01:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
