Virat Kohli's team calls Rs 5 crore ashram claim false and baseless

Virat Kohli's spokesperson rejected claims that the cricketer was paid Rs 5 crore to visit Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan. The statement described the allegations made by Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, as completely false, baseless and factually incorrect. Kohli's team said he visits the spiritual leader out of faith and reverence.

The controversy began after the death of a disciple at the ashram on September 25. Sharma had claimed the payment was made to boost Premanand Maharaj's popularity. No evidence has been presented to support the allegation.

Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma have visited the ashram multiple times since January 2023. The spokesperson urged media organisations to verify facts before reporting such claims.