Just a day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli visited Vrindavan along with his wife, Anushka Sharma, to meet the renowned spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj. The couple reached Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram on May 13, 2025, seeking blessings and inner peace.
The meeting came right after Kohli’s emotional decision to step away from the longest format of the game on May 12. During their spiritual interaction, Maharaj Ji asked Virat, “Are you happy?” to which Virat replied with a simple “I’m okay.” Anushka was visibly emotional during the exchange and asked if chanting “Radha” really brings peace, to which Maharaj Ji gently affirmed.
While Maharaj Ji didn’t go into detailed teachings about the importance or benefits of chanting Radha’s name during this visit, the meeting reflected a deeper shift in Virat’s personal journey—from cricketing glory to spiritual exploration.
This was not Virat and Anushka’s first visit to the ashram. They had previously come to Vrindavan in January 2023 and again in January 2025 after the India vs Australia Test series. Their repeated visits show a growing connection with Premanand Ji Maharaj and his message of devotion and peace.
Virat Kohli’s retreat to Vrindavan after retirement symbolizes not just a cricketing legend stepping back from the field, but also a man choosing the path of spiritual growth and inner balance.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. This decision came just days before India’s highly anticipated Test series against England — a decision that has left fans stunned and stirred widespread speculation. But what followed his announcement was equally significant, signaling a deeper, more personal transformation.
A Sudden Test Retirement
Virat Kohli had been a stalwart of Indian Test cricket — not just with his batting but also as a leader who instilled aggression, discipline, and unmatched fitness standards in the team. His record as a captain in Test cricket remains among the finest India has ever seen.
Yet, with just days to go before the high-profile India vs England Test series, Kohli chose to walk away from the longest format of the game. While no official reason has been cited, sources close to BCCI have hinted at a personal decision, perhaps linked to mental fatigue, spiritual inclination, or the desire to devote time to his family and inner well-being.
Virat Kohli Visit to Vrindavan
Just a day after his Test retirement, on May 13, 2025, Kohli, accompanied by his wife Anushka Sharma, visited Vrindavan to seek blessings from Premanand Ji Maharaj at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram. This wasn’t the couple’s first visit to the holy town — they had earlier sought Maharaj Ji’s blessings in January 2023 and January 2025 as well. Their repeated presence signals a growing spiritual inclination in their lives.
During their latest visit, Premanand Ji Maharaj — known for his deep devotion to Radharani and his simple yet profound spiritual teachings — greeted the couple warmly. In a brief interaction, Maharaj Ji asked Virat, “Prasann ho?” (Are you content?), to which Virat replied, “I am okay.”
Anushka, deeply moved, asked Maharaj Ji if chanting Radha’s name truly leads to spiritual fulfillment. Maharaj Ji, with his characteristic simplicity, affirmed that the name of Radha has the power to transform the heart, leading to inner peace and divine connection.
Kohli’s Spiritual Transforming
While Kohli has always been a fierce competitor on the field, off the field, there has been a clear shift in his demeanor over the past few years. From aggressive celebrations to quiet reflection, Virat’s personal journey seems to have moved toward peace, introspection, and spiritual grounding.
His association with Premanand Ji Maharaj, a highly revered spiritual leader in Vrindavan, has grown deeper. Maharaj Ji is known for his divine discourses on Radha Rani’s bhakti (devotion), and his satsangs attract devotees from around the world, including many celebrities. His teachings center around soulful chanting of “Radha Naam”, inner purity, and surrender to divine love — messages that seem to have resonated with Kohli and Anushka.
This spiritual transformation is not just about rituals, but a shift in priorities. Virat, who once defined his life by centuries and match wins, now appears to be seeking balance, clarity, and inner fulfillment.
Why Before the England Series?
The India vs England Test series was set to be a monumental contest. Many expected Kohli to lead India’s batting charge, possibly even donning the captaincy again after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. But Virat’s decision to retire before the series indicates that the call was deeply personal and pre-planned.
Multiple reports suggest Kohli informed the BCCI about his decision days in advance. The board requested him to reconsider, but he remained firm. It’s possible that Kohli had made peace with his journey in the format and felt this was the right time to step away, especially after Rohit’s exit — marking the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.
There is also a growing belief that Virat now wants to focus on limited-overs formats, mentoring the next generation, and more importantly, his spiritual and family life.
A New Chapter Begins
As Kohli steps into this new chapter of spiritual exploration, fans are left with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. Whether it’s his fiery innings on the pitch or his quiet meditations in Vrindavan, Virat Kohli continues to inspire.
His retirement from Test cricket might mark the end of an era, but his journey — both personal and spiritual — is far from over.