Virat Kohli's Team Refutes Claim of ₹5 Crore Payment for Premanand Maharaj Ashram Visit in Vrindavan

Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli's official management team has forcefully rejected viral social media allegations asserting that the star batsman was paid ₹5 crore to make a spiritual visit to Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan. The claims, originally voiced by Dinesh Sharma (known as Falahari Maharaj), president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, alleged that a builder or property-linked entity sponsored the visit to boost the ashram's public profile. In an official clarifying statement issued on October 7, 2026, Kohli's spokesperson called the assertions entirely false, baseless, and factually incorrect.

Kohli's team emphasized that the cricketer and his actor wife, Anushka Sharma, visit Vrindavan purely out of personal faith and spiritual devotion. The representative urged media houses and digital news outlets to exercise strict editorial diligence and refrain from amplifying unverified allegations made by individuals seeking public attention.

The controversial claims surfaced online following recent public attention surrounding the Vrindavan ashram. Dinesh Sharma alleged in public statements that an commercial group funded Kohli's visit with a ₹5 crore fee. However, no documentary proof or verifiable evidence was provided to support the serious financial transaction claims.

Addressing the rumors directly, Kohli's management team issued a comprehensive rebuttal:

"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. Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly."

Spiritual Journey and Previous Ashram Visits

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have regularly visited Vrindavan to seek blessings from Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj over the past several years. Their spiritual visits have been documented through public appearances, including a visit in July 2026 where the couple walked barefoot in the rain to attend satsang sessions at the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan.

Observers of Kohli's career have noted a significant personal shift toward spirituality following his marriage to Anushka Sharma in December 2017. Beyond Vrindavan, the couple frequently visits temples and attends discourses by spiritual leaders across India and internationally during cricket off-seasons, consistently framing these trips as private personal journeys.

Key Highlights of the Statement

• Categorical Denial: Kohli's spokesperson dismissed all claims of monetary compensation as completely false and baseless.
• Source of Allegation: The ₹5 crore claim was voiced by Dinesh Sharma Falahari without supporting documentary evidence.
• Spiritual Motivation: The official statement reaffirmed that the couple's visits stem entirely from personal faith and reverence.
• Media Advisory: Management urged journalists and media platforms to verify facts prior to circulating sensational social media claims.

Legal Framework and Media Ethics

The dissemination of unverified monetary allegations against public figures highlights the fine line between personal expression and actionable defamation under Indian jurisprudence. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, publishing false assertions that damage an individual's public standing or question their personal integrity can lead to formal legal notices for civil and criminal defamation.

Furthermore, digital broadcast standards mandate that news platforms independently verify claims involving public icons before publication. By swiftly issuing an explicit statement, Kohli's legal and public relations team effectively sets the record straight while establishing grounds for legal recourse should defamatory narratives persist.

Key Implications

The rapid rebuttal from Virat Kohli's team highlights how high-profile athletes must actively safeguard their reputation against sensationalized social media rumors. By publicly reiterating that his spiritual engagements are guided solely by faith, Kohli reinforces a clear boundary between his personal beliefs and commercial activities.

Moving forward, the statement serves as an advisory for media entities regarding responsible reporting. As Kohli continues his active focus on white-ball international cricket for Team India, maintaining public integrity remains central to his professional brand.