Virat Kohli's Team Denies ₹5 Crore Ashram Visit Claim as Records Fall

Virat Kohli's management has issued a firm denial following a sensational claim that the cricketer was paid a huge sum to visit a spiritual leader. The statement categorically refutes allegations that a Rajasthan-based group spent ₹5 crore to facilitate Kohli's trips to Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan.

A spokesperson for the former India captain called the claims "completely false, baseless and factually incorrect." Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have visited the ashram several times since January 2023, with their pilgrimages often drawing public attention. The spokesperson explained the visits were personal and spiritual in nature, unrelated to any financial transaction. The allegation was made by Dinesh Sharma, also known as Phalahari Maharaj, who leads the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas.

While Kohli deals with off-field speculation, one of his on-field benchmarks has been surpassed. On Tuesday, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 102 from 43 balls against the West Indies in Lucknow. That knock made him the first Indian captain to score a century while chasing in a T20I, breaking Kohli's previous best of 94 not out against the same opponent in Hyderabad back in 2019. Iyer's explosive innings led India to an eight-wicket victory in the first T20I.

Despite Iyer's effort, the overall record for the highest score by a captain in a T20I chase remains with Pakistan's Babar Azam, who made 122 against South Africa in Centurion in 2021.

As Kohli's career enters its latter stages, the conversation about his eventual replacement is growing. Cricket legend Kapil Dev, now president of the Professional Golf Tour of India, recently reflected on the natural cycle of the sport. "You're always looking for the next hero," Kapil said, speaking at a golf event named after him in Greater Noida. He emphasized the constant search for new talent that can capture the public's imagination in the way he and Kohli have. Kapil also noted that many active cricketers today play golf, which he believes helps with concentration, a trait Kohli has exemplified throughout his career.

• Kohli's team has forcefully denied a ₹5 crore payment claim linked to his spiritual visits.
• Shreyas Iyer broke Kohli's record for the highest score by an Indian captain in a T20I chase with 102 not out.
• Kapil Dev acknowledged the ongoing search for the next Indian cricket hero to follow in Kohli's footsteps.
• The overall T20I chase record for a captain is still held by Pakistan's Babar Azam (122).