In the quiet town of Vrindavan, where chants echo through temple corridors and saffron-clad devotees move in rhythm with the divine, a world-class cricketer and a Bollywood icon sought something beyond fame, trophies, and headlines—peace. Just months ago, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma sat humbly at the feet of Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj.
Now, as Kohli finally lifts his maiden IPL trophy after 18 years of relentless pursuit, many are wondering, Was it just his unwavering hard work, or did spirituality play a silent, powerful role in this long-awaited triumph?
Athletes, by nature, live a life of great stress; in fact, their results are often unpredictable and uncertain. Consequently, top athletes around the world experience the highest highs and, at the same time, endure the lowest lows. However, in these tough times, most athletes turn to spirituality to cope with their low phases and highly affected mental health.
Kohli Visited Premanand Maharaj After Retirement From Tests
After Kohli retired from tests, there was a lot of speculation regarding his mental health and the BCCI’s politics behind this sudden decision of his. Shortly after this announcement, he visited Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan with his wife, Anushka. The couple sought spiritual solace from Maharaj.
It was reported that Maharaj asked Kohli, “Prasanna ho? (Are you happy?)”, to which Kohli replied, “Ji, abhi thik hain (Yes, I’m okay)”. A change in Kohli’s temperament can be seen on and off the field. He was earlier extremely aggressive on the field, and even once jokingly remarked that he did not “look the pooja-path types. However, after his marriage, Anushka turned him towards spirituality as a way to cope when he wasn’t performing as well and was under a lot of media pressure. Since then, he hasn’t looked back and has followed the path of spirituality, showing its positive effect in his performance and demeanor.
Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma से पूज्य महाराज जी की क्या वार्तालाप हुई ? Bhajan Marg pic.twitter.com/7IWWjIfJHB
— Bhajan Marg (@RadhaKeliKunj) May 13, 2025
Global Athletes Who Turned To Spirituality
Other global athletes have also turned towards spirituality and credit their performance to God and their belief in him.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one such athlete who has a strong Christian faith, and spirituality is an important aspect of his life and career. Messi attributes his talent and success to God. He publicly expresses his faith through his tattoos and even has a tattoo of Jesus Christ.
Stephen Curry
Renowned NBA player Stephen Curry expresses how his faith guides him on and off the court and how it has helped him cope with his struggles. Stephen gave his life to Christ in eighth grade and considers it a life-changing moment. He emphasises that he has a personal relationship with God and attributes all his success to it.
