Bat to Bhakti: Kohli Turns to Vrindavan After Test Cricket Farewell.

A day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli chose peace over pomp, seeking spiritual solace in Vrindavan alongside his wife, actress Anushka Sharma. The couple visited Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram at Varah Ghat and had a heartfelt “Ekantik Vartalaap” (spiritual conversation) with revered spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj.

This marked their second visit to Vrindavan in 2025, their first being in January with their children. Upon arrival at the ashram, they warmly greeted Maharaj Ji, who smiled and gently asked, “Prasanna ho?” (Are you happy?). Kohli humbly replied, “Ji, abhi thik hain” (Yes, I’m okay), reflecting his grounded nature despite his recent monumental career shift.

Premanand Ji Maharaj imparted deep spiritual wisdom to the couple, emphasizing that true transformation lies not in worldly recognition but in inner contemplation. “This prosperity is not just grace — it’s the fruit of virtue,” Maharaj Ji explained. “Live in the world as you are, but let your inner consciousness evolve. Do not seek fame or validation; let your heart crave only the Divine.” His profound words visibly moved Anushka, who appeared emotional during the spiritual exchange.

Over the years, Virat and Anushka have increasingly embraced spirituality. In 2023, the couple was spotted at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and had also made a pilgrimage to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand. These visits hint at a deeper personal journey the couple has been undertaking, balancing fame with faith.

Kohli’s visit to Vrindavan came shortly after he ended his 14-year-long Test career, leaving behind a legacy carved in grit and greatness. With 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, his contribution to Indian cricket is unparalleled. His leadership transformed India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas. Under his captaincy, India registered 40 Test wins, making him the country’s most successful Test skipper.

He holds several records, including the most Test centuries (20) by an Indian captain and the most double centuries (7) by an Indian in the format. Kohli stands as the fourth-highest century scorer for India in Tests, trailing only legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Having already stepped away from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory last year, the 36-year-old will now focus solely on ODIs for India, drawing the curtain on a glorious red-ball career that began in 2011.

As he transitions from cricketing highs to soulful journeys, Kohli’s post-retirement path seems to be charted not just by achievements, but by awareness. His spiritual pursuits reflect a man seeking balance — between the roar of stadiums and the silence of devotion. Through this new chapter, Virat and Anushka seem to be finding peace not in applause, but in introspection.

Team Maverick