May 13, 2025: A day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, former Indian captain Virat Kohli visited Vrindavan with wife Anushka Sharma to seek blessings from spiritual leader Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj at the Kelly Kunj Ashram. The visit, captured in a video now circulating online, showed the couple dressed in white and traveling modestly in a local cab — a symbol of humility amidst fame.
This emotional spiritual retreat follows Kohli’s heartfelt announcement on Monday, marking the end of a 14-year journey in the red-ball format. The 36-year-old shared, “It is not easy when I am going away from this format of the game. But it feels right. I have given it my all and it has given me more than my expectations.”
“Chant God’s Name with Joy” – Premanand Maharaj’s Message
During their interaction with Premanand Maharaj, Anushka asked, “Kya naam jap se ho jayega?” To which he responded, “Completely… I’m sharing this from my life experience. I have come to Bhakti Yoga after experiencing Sankhya Yoga, Ashtang Yoga, and Karma Yoga.”
He went on to say, “It’s true that an increase in one’s glory and fame is not considered to be the grace of God. God’s grace is when there is a change in thinking within a person. Chant God’s name with joy.”
This visit is not the couple’s first. In fact, they have maintained a close spiritual bond with Maharaj, visiting him earlier in January 2025 and January 2023. In a previously viral video, the spiritual leader praised Anushka for being a grounding force in Virat’s life, especially in the face of global fame.
A Glorious Career Comes Full Circle
Virat Kohli’s Test career began in 2011. Over the next 123 matches, he scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, becoming one of the most iconic red-ball players of his generation. As captain, he led India through a golden era in Test cricket, with notable overseas wins and unmatched aggression.
Following his retirement post, tributes poured in from fans and celebrities alike. Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Angad Bedi, and Suniel Shetty were among many who applauded his legacy and passion.