Virat Kohli's Spiritual Moment Following Test Retirement-Anushka Sharma's Trip to Vrindavan with Husband
Virat Kohli and his spouse, Anushka Sharma, embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to Vrindavan after Kohli's Test cricket retirement. The visit to the holy town by the couple is regarded as a moment of contemplation and serenity for the Indian cricket legend after his illustrious career. Kohli's retirement ends an era, and his moment of spirituality with Anushka is a flashback to the equanimity in his professional and personal life.
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Following the declaration of retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma went to Vrindavan on Tuesday for a special spiritual moment. The duo reached the ashram of Premanand Ji Maharaj at Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj, Varah Ghat, where they engaged in a serious talk with the spiritual leader. This was a part of their second visit to Vrindavan this year after they had already visited in January with their kids to take blessings from Maharaj Ji.
When they reached the ashram, the couple welcomed Maharaj Ji. Maharaj Ji requested Virat to say, "Prasann ho?" or "Are you happy?" Virat said, "Ji, abhi thik hain," i.e., "Yes, I am fine." Maharaj Ji, blessing him, said, "You should remain well."
The spiritual session became serious as Premanand Ji Maharaj imparted a thought-inducing message. He clarified that the success one enjoys is not only a gift of grace but a product of virtue. Maharaj Ji insisted on the significance of inner change. He urged the couple to remain in the world but with a changed orientation. He told us, "Live the way you are living now, completely present in the world, but allow your inner thinking to change. Allow there to be no aspiration for fame or recognition. Your inner reflection must be: 'Lord, enough of all worldly experiences, now, I seek only You.'"
This introspection appeared to touch Anushka deeply, as she looked tearful. She inquired of Maharaj Ji whether repeating the divine name would enable this change, to which he replied in the affirmative. The couple's visit was not merely a spiritual retreat but also a chance for them to reflect on their lives.
Virat and Anushka have regularly gone to the temple in the past few years. In 2023, they went to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, and they also went to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram at Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand for a spiritual pilgrimage. They go to the temple to seek peace amidst the hectic life they live.
Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket brings an era to an end in Indian cricket. On Monday, he posted on Instagram that he was retiring from his 14-year-long Test cricket career. He ended with a staggering 9,230 runs in 123 games, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Kohli's fearless leadership and his reliable performance with the bat made India one of the most powerful Test teams globally.
Virat's retirement was announced ahead of India's upcoming five-match Test series against England. Kohli's Indian cricket contributions, particularly in the red-ball format, are gargantuan. He is one of the most successful Test captains of all time, with 40 victories. He is only behind legends like Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh. His 30 Test centuries place him as the fourth-most successful Indian batsman in this category, behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli also is the Indian record holder for most Test double centuries with seven to his credit.
As captain, Kohli revolutionized India's Test cricket approach with an aggressive and fearless philosophy that encouraged the team. India saw tremendous success both home and away under his captaincy. Kohli is also the highest-scoring Indian captain in terms of Test centuries, with 20 centuries to his credit, well ahead of the great Sunil Gavaskar, who has 11 centuries as captain.
After his T20I retirement following India's T20 World Cup victory, Kohli now focuses exclusively on One Day International (ODI) cricket. His decision to retire from Tests brings a sense of closure to his illustrious career in the longest format of the game. Kohli’s journey in cricket, marked by unparalleled dedication and passion, will forever be etched in the history of Indian sports.
This visit to Vrindavan reflects Kohli’s ongoing pursuit of spiritual growth even as he steps away from the intensity of international cricket. It serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars seek moments of peace and reflection in their personal lives, away from the pressures and expectations of their professional worlds.
