Mohammed Shami addresses the discussion around Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s spiritual journey

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The intersection of Indian cricket and celebrity culture often generates intense public debate, with every action of high-profile athletes scrutinized both on and off the field. Recently, the personal choices of star batter Virat Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have once again taken center stage due to their frequent visits to spiritual centers across the country. Addressing the chatter surrounding the couple’s devotion, veteran Indian speedster Mohammed Shami spoke out against unnecessary public judgment, reiterating that personal faith and spiritual discipline deserve respect rather than unwarranted criticism.

Speaking in an exclusive interaction with Times Now, Shami provided an insightful perspective on Kohli’s spiritual alignment, dismissing claims that this transition was sudden or performative. Shami emphasized that Kohli approaches his devotion with the same meticulous organization and passion that define his professional cricket career. According to the veteran pacer, dedicating time to one’s beliefs through a structured routine reflects dedication rather than distraction.

Shami voiced strong support for the couple’s visits to spiritual figures, including their well-publicized interactions with Premanand Govind Sharan Maharaj in Vrindavan. He firmly stated that an individual’s spiritual preferences should remain beyond public trial. Pointing out that faith is a deeply personal matter, Shami questioned the rationale behind targeting public figures for seeking peace and spiritual guidance, maintaining that no one has the standing to object to another person’s personal values.

“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 stated.

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The discourse around Kohli’s spiritual leanings often speculates on the role of Anushka in shaping his lifestyle choices. Addressing these narratives directly, Shami dismissed claims blaming or questioning Anushka’s influence on Kohli’s spiritual journey. He noted that partners influencing each other positively within a marriage is entirely normal and nobody else’s concern. Shami reiterated that as long as a couple finds harmony and peace in their shared values, external opinions remain completely irrelevant.

The conversation comes at a crucial juncture in the Indian cricket calendar. Following India’s hard-fought 2-1 ODI series outcome against England, Kohli and the national squad are recalibrating for upcoming international commitments. The team is set to return to competitive action in a multi-format series against the West Indies scheduled for September.

Ultimately, Shami’s candid comments highlight a growing sentiment within the dressing room: an athlete’s life outside the boundary rope belongs strictly to them. By standing up for his teammate, Shami emphasized that balance, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being are vital components of a player’s broader lifecycle, far removed from the constant noise of commentary and social media speculation.

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