Did Virat Kohli retire early to embark on a spiritual journey? Fans react to his and Anushka Sharma's visit to Premanand Maharaj's ashram

Just a day after shocking fans with his unexpected Test retirement, Virat Kohli was sighted in Vrindavan with wife Anushka Sharma, seeking spiritual serenity and introspection. The couple, known for their strong spiritual views, turned to religion once more as they handled this watershed point in Kohli's life.

On Tuesday, social media was buzzing with videos of the couple driving silently through the streets of Vrindavan in a simple local cab, opting for a low-key visit. Virat and Anushka arrived at Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj's ashram, dressed in basic, casual apparel and wearing face masks¡ªa spiritual guru they had visited several times in the past.

Virat Kohli embarks on a spiritual journey

The videos showed the couple quietly stepping out of their cab and entering the serene ashram grounds. Unlike many of their previous visits¡ªoften accompanied by their children, Vamika and Akaay¡ªthis time, it was just Virat and Anushka.

Anushka wore a traditional salwar suit with a dupatta gracefully draped over her head, while Virat chose a formal full-sleeved shirt. This visit adds to their long-standing spiritual journey, as the they have often turned to satsangs and spiritual mentors for guidance.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visit Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan. ?? pic.twitter.com/4Vwc1LmduC

¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 13, 2025

Fans question the timing

The visit came shortly after Kohli announced his tearful retirement on Instagram. His final words in the poignant post¡ª"#269, signing off"¡ªmarked the end of a spectacular 14-year Test career, leaving millions of fans surprised and introspective.

View this post on Instagram

Shortly after images of his visit to the ashram went viral, gossip began to spread online. Many others wondered if Kohli had left the game to pursue a spiritual journey. The questions keep coming, especially as fans struggle to comprehend that the man who rekindled India's love of Test cricket has retired without a final match.

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Mujhe toh sach mein darr lag raha hai¡­ kahin Virat Kohli ne early retirement isliye toh nahi le liya ki Premanand Maharaj Ji ka personal secretary banne ka golden chance haath se na nikal jaye? Cricket chhodiye, ab unka asli calling toh spiritual scheduling lag raha hai!"

(Translate: "I'm genuinely scared... what if Virat Kohli took early retirement just so he wouldn't miss the golden opportunity to become Premanand Maharaj Ji's personal secretary? Forget cricket¡ªhis true calling now seems to be spiritual scheduling!")

Mujhe toh sach mein darr lag raha hai¡­ kahin Virat Kohli ne early retirement isliye toh nahi le liya ki Premanand Maharaj Ji ka personal secretary banne ka golden chance haath se na nikal jaye?
Cricket chhodiye, ab unka asli calling toh spiritual scheduling lag raha hai! https://t.co/HTqh9ROakM

¡ª Shikhar Ganjoo, MD (@shikharganjoo) May 13, 2025

Another commented, "Virat Kohli doing mala jap. From almost an atheist to doing mala jap... this is called spiritual transformation. You have come a long way."

Virat Kohli doing Mala Jap. ???
From almost an atheist to doing mala jap..this is called spiritual transformation..

You have come a long way. pic.twitter.com/g5JG1JJiAf

¡ª CK JHA (@OriginalCKJHA) May 13, 2025

One said, "Virat Kohli, after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, along with Anushka Sharma, seeks blessings from Premanand Ji Maharaj¡ªa spiritual pause after his Test cricket journey. A moment of faith, grace, and new beginnings."

Virat Kohli, after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, along with Anushka Sharma, seeks blessings from Premanand Ji Maharaj a spiritual pause after test cricketing journey. A moment of faith, grace, and new beginnings.#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/fX927Ifnxq

¡ª Saurabh Shrotriya (@MrShrotriya) May 13, 2025

Another added, "Virat Kohli in his spiritual journey."

Virat Kohli in his spiritual journey https://t.co/VT43C891Mk

¡ª BAAZIGAR (@baazigar369) May 13, 2025

One user stated, "After retirement from Tests, Virat and Anushka seek spiritual peace. Post his emotional farewell from Test cricket, Virat Kohli, along with Anushka Sharma, visited Sri Premanand Ji Maharaj to seek blessings. A graceful step into a new chapter¡ªrooted in faith, reflection, and inner strength. Sometimes, the loudest victories are felt in silent prayers."

After Retirement from Tests, Virat & Anushka Seek Spiritual Peace.

Post his emotional retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli, along with Anushka Sharma, visited Sri Premanand ji Maharaj to seek blessings. A graceful step into a new chapter¡ªrooted in faith, reflection, and¡­

¡ª Raja Mishra?? (@raja_mishra02) May 13, 2025

Another fan wrote, "Ye Kohli kitna accha insaan hai bhai¡­ thoda hurt kiya hai lekin iske jaisa insaan¡ªno hatred towards anyone. Spiritual hai¡­ accha husband, father, son, cricketer. He knows where to stop. God will bless him with more and greater success than any 10k Test runs."

(Translate: Kohli is such a good human being, man... it hurts a little, but someone like him¡ªhe holds no hatred for anyone. He¡¯s spiritual¡­ a great husband, father, son, and cricketer. He knows when to stop. God will bless him with more success than even 10,000 Test runs.)

Ye Kohli Kitna acha insaan hy bhai..thoda hurt kiya hy lekin iske jaisa insaan..?? no hatred towards any..spiritual hy..acha husband,Father,son, cricketer..he knows where to stop...God will bless him with more and greater success than any 10k test runs..? pic.twitter.com/2WKG8tI6uT

¡ª wayne (@ser_jamie_) May 13, 2025

Anushka Sharma's respond to Virat Kohli's retirement

She too posted a picture with him and wrote, "They'll talk about the records and the milestones, but I¡¯ll remember the tears you never showed¡­"

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Now, Kohli will only be seen playing ODIs and representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, with the number of ODI matches limited until the 2027 Cricket World Cup¡ªset to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November¡ªfans are hoping to receive regular updates from him.