When we think of Virat Kohli, the image that instantly comes to mind is that of a fierce cricketer — full of energy, power, and unshakable focus. His aggressive style, iconic cover drives, and passion for the game have made him one of India’s greatest cricketing legends. But there’s another side of Kohli that’s quietly evolved over the years — a side that’s deeply spiritual, grounded, and peaceful.
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifting their maiden IPL trophy after 18 long years, fans witnessed an emotional Virat Kohli. Tears welled up in his eyes, not just from victory, but from the long journey it took to get here — a journey filled not just with fitness and form, but also with faith.
It all began after marriage
In his post-match interaction, Virat thanked his wife, Anushka Sharma, for being his constant support system. Their relationship, always admired by fans, has also been the foundation for something much deeper — their shared spiritual path.
Their journey began shortly after their wedding in 2017, when the couple began visiting temples and ashrams across India. One of their earliest and most talked-about trips was to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram in Kaichi Dham, Nainital in 2022. They visited with their daughter Vamika, offered prayers, and distributed blankets to the needy. Later, they also visited another Neem Karoli Baba ashram in Vrindavan. Their faith became a consistent part of their life.
Virat-Anushka’s spiritual travels
In January 2023, the couple visited the ashram of Swami Dayanand Giri — a respected spiritual leader and the guru of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was another step in their deepening spiritual journey.
Two months later, just before India’s Test match against Australia, Anushka and Virat were seen at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. They didn’t seek VIP treatment. Instead, they sat among regular devotees, prayed quietly, and connected with something far beyond cricket.
In May 2025, the couple’s devotion led them to Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya. Later, they also visited the newly built Ram Mandir, a place of massive significance for millions of Indians.
After Virat stepped away from Test cricket, he and Anushka visited Shri Premanand Maharaj Ji at Kelly Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan. During their interaction, Anushka asked, “Kya naam jap se ho jayega?” (Will chanting His name lead to liberation?) — showing that their quest was not just ritualistic, but a sincere search for spiritual understanding.
The book that changed Virat Kohli
While temple visits shaped their outer journey, a book-shaped Virat’s inner world. The book “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda turned out to be a life-altering read for him. It’s not a cricket manual or a motivational guide, but a deep exploration of spirituality and self-realisation.
Virat has openly said the book changed how he views life, and even how he handles pressure and setbacks. Known for his intense on-field persona, he credits the book for calming his mind and helping him balance his emotions — a rare glimpse into the emotional maturity he has gained.
“It didn’t just help me understand life better — it changed how I looked at myself, my career, and even failure,” Kohli once shared.
Today, Virat Kohli is more than just a sporting icon. He’s a man who’s evolving — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. His transformation, quietly unfolding over the past few years, shows us a side rarely seen in sports. He’s not only building physical strength but also on a path towards attaining spiritual peace.
