Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli's spokesperson on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, categorically rejected allegations that Kohli was paid ₹5 crore to visit spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, dismissing the claim as 'completely false, baseless and factually incorrect'. The denial came amid a controversy sparked by statements attributed to Dinesh Sharma, popularly known as 'Falahari Maharaj', which circulated widely on social media.

The Official Denial

Kohli's spokesperson issued a formal statement that left no room for ambiguity. '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,' the statement read.

What the Allegation Claims

The controversy centres on Kohli's first visit to Premanand Maharaj's Vrindavan ashram in January 2023. According to reports, Dinesh Sharma — who is identified as the president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas — allegedly made the claim in a letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The allegation specifically contends that a property builder lobby and a Rajasthan-based private company together spent ₹5 crore to facilitate Kohli's visit, reportedly with the intent of boosting the visibility and public profile of Premanand Maharaj by associating him with one of Indian cricket's most recognised names.

Notably, no publicly available documentary evidence — no verified contract, invoice, bank transaction, payment record, or official communication — has emerged to substantiate the claim.

Kohli and Premanand Maharaj: A Long-Running Connection

The association between Kohli and Premanand Maharaj predates this controversy and has drawn consistent public attention. Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, first visited the spiritual leader at his Vrindavan ashram in January 2023, accompanied by their daughter Vamika. Photographs and videos from that visit subsequently went viral across social media platforms.

The couple returned to the ashram in 2025, including a visit shortly after Kohli publicly announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. They have reportedly visited Premanand Maharaj again in 2026 as well, underscoring what Kohli's camp describes as a relationship rooted in personal faith.

Context and What Comes Next

This is not the first time a public figure's association with a religious or spiritual leader has generated commercial speculation in India. Kohli's camp has drawn a firm line between personal devotion and commercial endorsement in its response. The letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, if confirmed, could prompt a formal inquiry, though no official action has been announced as of yet. How authorities and the media handle the unverified allegation — given the absence of documentary evidence — will determine whether the story escalates further or fades.