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A fresh controversy has broken out on social media over Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. It is being claimed that Virat Kohli was paid ₹5 crore to visit Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.
The claim has been ruling the headlines across platforms amid the ashram already facing controversy following the death of disciple Rasik Dulari Sharan. However, the ₹5 crore payment to Kohli has not been independently verified so far. Earlier, Dinesh Karthik doubts Virat Kohli can reach 100 tons, backs Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's record.
Where did the ₹5 Crore claim come from?
The allegation was made by Falahari Maharaj, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, in a letter related to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram.
According to the allegation, people linked to a private company in Rajasthan had offered or spent ₹5 crore to bring Virat Kohli to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. The aim was to increase the popularity and promotion of Premanand Maharaj through the former Indian captain.
However, there is no independently verified evidence showing that Kohli personally received ₹5 crore for visiting the ashram so far. So, this is only a claim as of now.
Virat Kohli did visit Premanand Maharaj
Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma have met Premanand Maharaj several times. The couple first reportedly visited him in Vrindavan in January 2023 along with their daughter Vamika.
Photos and videos from the meeting went viral on social media at that time. They later returned to the ashram in 2025. After Kohli announced his Test retirement in May 2025, he and Anushka again visited Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan. This year, they also visited the ashram.
Is there any proof of the ₹5 crore payment?
As of now, no publicly verified contract, bank transaction, invoice, payment record, or official statement has emerged to prove that Kohli received ₹5 crore for visiting the ashram.
Several social media posts have turned the allegation into a statement that the Indian batting superstar was definitely paid ₹5 crore. But the evidence available does not support its statement as an established fact.
So, the ₹5 crore story is currently an allegation made by Falahari Maharaj, not as a confirmed transaction to the former Indian cricket team captain. Amid this, S Badrinath questions Mohit Sharma’s CSK appointment, calls him a ‘Rookie Coach’.
Why has the claim suddenly gone viral?
The claim has surfaced amid a shocking controversy surrounding Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. His disciple Rasik Dulari Sharan, also known as Deepak Lodhi, died on September 25, 2026, after falling from the fourth floor of a building in Vrindavan.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Rasik’s death. The incident has put the ashram and allegations against Kohli into the headlines. However, the controversy surrounding the disciple’s death does not prove Kohli’s alleged payment. The cricketer has not yet reacted to the allegations.
Virat Kohli's ₹5 Crore claim: Fact Check
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Kohli and Anushka Sharma met Premanand Maharaj | Confirmed |
| Their first reported meeting was in January 2023 | Confirmed |
| A ₹5 crore payment was alleged | This is an allegation made by Falahari Maharaj |
| Kohli actually received ₹5 crore | Not verified |
| A formal paid arrangement has been made | No |
