Virat Kohli’s Spiritual Turn: Spotted with Jaap Counter Post-Test Retirement
In a surprising turn of events, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has once again captured the headlines, not for his on-field exploits but for a deeply personal and spiritual moment. Just a day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Kohli, accompanied by his wife Anushka Sharma, visited the sacred town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. The couple sought blessings and guidance from the revered spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram.
Images and videos of Kohli and Anushka interacting with the spiritual guru have taken social media by storm. Fans and followers were particularly intrigued when Kohli was later spotted exiting his car at the airport, holding a Jaap counting machine—a tool often used for chanting or meditation. Dressed simply and waving briefly to his admirers, the former Test captain maintained a calm and composed demeanor before disappearing into the terminal.
This unexpected sighting has sparked widespread speculation. Is Kohli, one of the most intense and passionate cricketers of his generation, embarking on a new spiritual journey after stepping away from the longest format of the game? While no official statement has been released by the star batter, his actions have fueled curiosity about how he plans to balance his remaining cricketing career with personal growth.
Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, announced on Monday, marked the end of a glorious chapter. Over a career spanning 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As captain, he led India to 40 victories in 68 Tests, making him the most successful Indian Test skipper in history. His aggressive leadership style and unparalleled batting prowess transformed Indian cricket, inspiring a generation of players and fans alike.
Reflecting on Kohli’s sudden decision to retire, former India coach Ravi Shastri revealed his initial shock but acknowledged the mental toll that constant scrutiny and pressure had taken on the cricketer. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri described Kohli as ‘mentally fried and overcooked,’ despite being physically fitter than many in the team. ‘I spoke to him a week before his announcement, and his mind was clear. He felt he’d given everything to Test cricket with no regrets,’ Shastri shared. He further added that the relentless public spotlight and Kohli’s infectious intensity contributed to a sense of burnout.
Shastri also highlighted Kohli’s global impact, noting his massive following across countries like Australia and South Africa. ‘He had a love-hate relationship with fans. His ability to get under the skin of opponents and viewers alike, with his celebrations and intensity, was like a rash—it spread quickly, not just in the dressing room but in living rooms worldwide,’ Shastri remarked. This unique persona made Kohli a polarizing yet magnetic figure in world cricket.
As Kohli shifts focus to the shorter formats, fans eagerly await his return to the field for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. With a staggering 7,263 runs in 237 IPL matches, including 8 centuries, Kohli remains the league’s highest run-scorer and a key asset for RCB in their quest for an elusive title.
Yet, beyond the boundaries and sixes, this spiritual interlude in Vrindavan hints at a more introspective side of Kohli. Whether this marks the beginning of a deeper personal journey or is simply a moment of peace amid a hectic life, only time will tell. For now, the image of Kohli with a Jaap counter serves as a poignant reminder that even the fiercest warriors seek solace in quieter, sacred spaces.
As the cricketing world processes the end of Kohli’s Test era, his legacy remains untarnished—a record-breaker, a leader, and now, perhaps, a seeker. What are your thoughts on this new chapter in Virat Kohli’s life? Drop your comments below as we continue to follow this intriguing story.