India pacer Mohammad Shami has backed Virat Kohli after the former captain was criticised on social media for his regular spiritual visits with wife Anushka Sharma. Shami said there is nothing wrong with the couple following their faith and dismissed claims that Anushka has somehow “changed” Kohli, adding that even if that were true, it would be a personal matter.
Kohli and Anushka have often been seen visiting spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan, including their latest visit after India’s ODI series against England last month. The star couple has also taken their children, Vamika and Akaay, to temples and spiritual gatherings across India, often seeking blessings and guidance.
Speaking to Times Now Navbharat, Mohammed Shami said Kohli’s devotion is not new and has always been part of his personality. “Ye acchi cheez hai. Yeh achanak nahi hai, voh bohot passionate hai aur apni cheezo ke liye particular hai aur time deta hai, system se rakhta hai. (It’s a good thing. This isn’t something that has happened suddenly. He is very passionate, is particular about what he believes in and makes time for it, with a proper system),” Shami said.
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The India quick added that Kohli is known for being highly organised in every aspect of life, including when he is travelling with the team. According to Shami, that same discipline extends to Kohli’s personal beliefs as well.
🔴 IF VIRAT BELIEVES, LET HIM BELIEVE – MOHD SHAMI 🤯
🎙️: Shami defended Virat Kohli’s spiritual journey, saying there’s nothing sudden about it.
He called Kohli a passionate and disciplined person who does everything with dedication and believes everyone has the right to… pic.twitter.com/hgbsStSxqr
— Sam (@cricsam02) August 4, 2026
“As far as Maharaj is concerned, I don’t think anyone needs to point fingers or raise objections. If you believe in something, you should give it priority too. Agar jodi hai aur vo karti bhi hai toh kya dikkat hai kisiko? Mujhe samajh nahi aata. (If they are a couple and even if she has done it, what problem does anyone have? I don’t understand.)”
Shami’s remarks come years after Virat Kohli publicly stood by him when the fast bowler was targeted by online trolls over his religion following India’s loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
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On the cricket front, Kohli enjoyed a solid ODI series against England last month despite India’s 1-2 defeat, scoring 144 runs in three matches at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 109.09, including two half-centuries. The veteran batter is now expected to return for India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies, scheduled from September 27 to October 3.
