'Completely false': Kohli's team denies Rs 5 Cr bribe claim

Virat Kohli 5 crore bribe allegations have sparked a major controversy online after claims linked the Indian cricket star to a financial arrangement involving spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. However, Virat Kohli's team denies the allegations and has strongly rejected the claims surrounding the Premanand Maharaj case.

The controversy began after Uttar Pradesh-based priest Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, alleged that ₹5 crore was involved in facilitating Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's visit to Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan. Kohli's representatives have now called the claims “completely false and baseless”, adding that his visits to the spiritual leader are based purely on faith and reverence.

Virat Kohli's team denies Rs 5 crore bribe allegations in official statement

Virat Kohli's team has categorically denied the ₹5 crore allegations and said the claims have no factual basis. In the veteran batter's official statement, his spokesperson directly rejected the allegations made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma. The statement said, “We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regards to Mr Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect."

The team also clarified that Virat Kohli's visits to Premanand Maharaj are based on personal faith and respect. “Mr Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly.”

The strong response has shifted focus back to the facts. Kohli's representatives maintained there was no financial arrangement behind his visits and urged the media to verify claims before sharing them.

What the statement says and what we know about the Premanand Maharaj case

The Premanand Maharaj case began attracting attention after Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma made claims involving Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's visits to Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan. He alleged that ₹5 crore had been paid to facilitate the visit. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and Kohli's team has strongly rejected them.

The Premanand Maharaj Virat Kohli connection is not new. Kohli and Anushka have visited the spiritual leader's ashram on several occasions and have spoken about seeking spiritual guidance and blessings. The allegations being discussed online relate to why the couple visited the ashram — not a confirmed financial transaction of any kind.

With Kohli's representatives calling the allegations false, the Virat Kohli bribe controversy 2026 remains based on an allegation that has been publicly denied. The latest statement makes it clear that Kohli's team considers the claims without any factual basis and says his connection with Premanand Maharaj comes from faith and personal reverence.

Virat Kohli gearing up for one final dance at 2027 ODI World Cup amid off-field controversy

Away from the controversy, Virat Kohli remains focused on his cricket career and his 2027 World Cup plans. The former India captain is expected to play a major role in India's preparations for the next ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Kohli has already indicated that the 2027 tournament could be his final appearance at a World Cup.

The Virat Kohli final dance at the 2027 ODI World Cup could become one of the biggest storylines in Indian cricket. Despite the latest off-field controversy, the veteran batter will be looking to focus on his performances and help India challenge for another World Cup title. With his team calling the Virat Kohli claims false, his attention can now return to cricket and his Virat Kohli 2027 World Cup plans.