
Exploring the Spiritual Connection of Cricket’s Finest with Faith and Devotion
Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, Vrindavan: Devotion and faith can guide a person on the right path. With this sentiment in mind, former captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, visited the ashram of the revered spiritual leader, Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, immediately upon returning from Australia. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Virat and Anushka are seen receiving blessings from Maharaj Ji.
In the video, Virat approaches Maharaj Ji and performs a shastang pranam (prostration), after which Anushka begins to ask him questions. This scene demonstrates how devotion and faith can provide discipline and guidance in one’s life. Maharaj Ji praised Anushka and spoke about Virat Kohli, saying, “I am bringing joy to all of you through my spiritual practice, and he is spreading joy across the nation through the medium of sports. If he succeeds, firecrackers will be set off all over India, and the entire country will celebrate. Isn’t this a form of his spiritual practice? It’s this very connection that the whole of India shares. Their training is their chant; they are serving God through sports.”
Virat Kohli, regarded as one of the most successful cricketers of his generation, provides an important message to viewers through his spiritual engagement. Anushka mentioned that sometimes she has questions in her mind, and the next day, Maharaj Ji provides answers to those very questions. This type of spiritual connection not only inspires them but also encourages their fans.
However, this tour has been somewhat challenging for Virat Kohli. The 36-year-old player, who was touring Australia for the fifth time, managed to score only 190 runs in 9 innings, with an average of 23.75. His performance did not meet expectations. Despite scoring a century in Perth, he could not maintain that form, leading to calls on social media for him to be dropped from the team.
Some experts believe that Virat’s Test career may end with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and that his One Day International career could conclude after the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Previously, he has already announced his retirement from the shortest format of international cricket after becoming the T20 World Champion in 2024.
In this context, the remarkable connection of Virat and Anushka to devotion illustrates how the interplay of sports, spirituality, and other aspects of life can be impactful. Their journey is not just inspiring on a personal level but collectively as well, reminding us that through devotion and faith, we can walk on the right path.