Viral Kohli redefines success. One of the most famous cricketers globally, he is not just known for his cricket moves, but also for his style sense, strict diet, fitness routine and now even his spiritual inclination. Virat Kohli, has die-hard fans who defend him tooth and nail, and haters who cannot get enough of criticising him. From his form to his performance, one can see the same things being appreciated by some and criticised by others. But one thing everyone knows is that Kohli is relentless on the field and has dominated the international cricket scene with his outstanding performances. His aggressive style, his team spirit, his nature, everything contributes to his image in the field. The star cricketer has many feathers to his hat.
Kohli's old stance on spirituality
In the start of his career, Virat kohli wasn’t as invested in spirituality as he is today. In fact, in one of his early interviews, Virat Kohli is quoted saying ‘Do I look like the puja-paath types to you?’. And lo and behold a few years later, Kohli is now seen frequenting ashrams, spiritual Gurus, kirtans, and more.
Early on, his fiery performance on the field and his commitment to fitness painted an image of a man driven purely by ambition. A man who had no time for the religiousness of the world or the commitment needed to spiritual paths. But with Anushka in his life, it all took a turn for the better, a life of optimum performance, a wholesome life with two children, Vamika and Akaay, and a life of balance in time on the pitch and in temples and ashrams.
The post-marriage shift
But, Virat Kohli's religious and spiritual side became more prominent after he married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. And today, most people credit Anushka for Kohli’s shift towards spirituality.
Even though the couple lives an extremely private life, rarely ever showing the face of their young children, their presence in holy spots is now a regular affair. From travelling to Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan with Vamika and Akaay in their arms, to visiting kirtan spots even when they are out of India, the couple is doing it all.
Visiting Mahakaleshwar temple
According to many, the first time Virat Kohli’s spiritual shift was in the limelight was when he visited the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain with Anushka. Coming out of the temple, the cricketer who once said ‘Do I look the religious types’, happily exclaimed ‘Har Har Mahadev’. Not just reporters, but fans too were excited to see this side of Kohli, with a shift from what people thought was atheism to happpy reconnection with God.
Visiting Premanand Maharaj
One of the most famous instances of Virat Kohli’s spiritual journey is him and Anushka visiting Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan along with their children. Some people also say that the duo’s interaction with Premanand Maharaj played an important role in his journey towards spirituality. It is now believed that following Premanand Maharaj was the first change in Kohli, and people saw that he maintained more balance in life and his aggressive nature on the field began to soften.
Neem Karoli baba’s ashram
Another incident that pushed Kohli towards spirituality and religion, and helped people see another side of him was when he visited Neem Karoli baba’s ashram. Neem Karoli baba was a famous Guru who attracted devotees from all over the world. Be it famous personalities like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, everyone came to Baba ji for his teachings on love, compassion, and devotion to God. And similar was the story of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Together, they have visited the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba several times, and in fact, in a particular incident, fans noticed that the wallpaper on Virat Kohli's phone was a picture of Neem Karoli Baba. Ever since then people have heralded him as a changed man.
The changes people saw
As the visits to the temples, kirtans, and spiritual Gurus increased, people saw a different side of Kohli, one that was more calm, composed, balanced, and grounded. In fact, many even attribute his better form and performance in the field to his visits to the temple and his shift in thought. Kohli was known for his fiery and aggressive behaviour, but soon he became more controlled and composed.
People also say that there was a shift in his nature, and instead of constantly sliding blame, he became more open about his flaws, and the journey to fix the problems. From his fitness journey, to him turning to vegetarianism, and following on Neem Karoli Baba’s footsteps, Virat Kohli became a changed man. Be it his fans or his critics, everyone is of the opinion that Virat Kohli's performance, his behaviour, his aggression, his spirit, all of it took a turn for the good after he became more spiritually inclined.
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