Team Kohli Denies ₹5 Crore Payment Claim Over Premanand Maharaj Ashram Visit

Virat Kohli's camp has moved swiftly to shut down a viral claim that the India batting star was paid ₹5 crore to visit the Vrindavan ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj.

In an official statement issued on October 7 and carried by ANI, Kohli's spokesperson dismissed the allegation as "completely false, baseless and factually incorrect," insisting the cricketer's visits are motivated by faith alone. "Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji," the statement said, urging media outlets to "verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements."

The claim was made by Dinesh Sharma, known as Falahari Maharaj, who alleged the sum was spent to bring Kohli to the ashram. No payment record, contract or other evidence has emerged to support the allegation, which rests on Sharma's word alone.

Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are long-standing visitors to the ashram, having first met Premanand Maharaj in January 2023 and returned several times since. On the field, Kohli is preparing for India's five-match ODI tour of New Zealand beginning November 4, having finished the recent West Indies series with 168 runs including an unbeaten 139 in the opener.