Virat Kohli has scored 247 runs in six matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. In his last three outings, Kohli has struggled to maintain his trademark tempo, with runs coming at a slower strike rate. This has placed added pressure on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, particularly during run chases where momentum is critical. At the same time, Kohli found himself at the center of an unexpected off-field controversy after liking a post by German influencer Liz Lage on Instagram, which quickly went viral and sparked debate online.
Amid this mix of on-field inconsistency and social media scrutiny, Kohli, along with Anushka Sharma, travelled to Vrindavan to visit the ashram of Premanand Maharaj. Their visit, which coincided with the period around Akshaya Tritiya, has once again drawn attention to Kohli’s evolving personal priorities and his increasing inclination towards spirituality.
Form concerns and off-field noise
Kohli’s recent batting has lacked the fluency typically associated with him. While he continues to anchor innings, the reduced scoring rate has impacted RCB’s ability to chase effectively. In T20 cricket, intent and acceleration are as important as consistency, and Kohli’s cautious approach in recent matches has raised questions about his rhythm.
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Off the field, the Instagram activity involving Liz Lage added another layer of distraction. Social media reactions ranged from curiosity to criticism, amplifying the spotlight on Kohli during an already challenging phase. The convergence of performance pressure and public scrutiny has made this period particularly demanding.
Vrindavan visits signal shifting mindset
Kohli and Anushka’s visit to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram is part of a broader pattern. The couple has travelled to Vrindavan multiple times in recent months, seeking spiritual guidance and quiet reflection. They are often seen sitting among devotees, engaging in discourses and private conversations with the spiritual leader.
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This marks a notable shift for Kohli, who once distanced himself from rituals but now appears increasingly drawn to spiritual spaces. Whether this is a way to regain mental clarity, find balance, or simply step away from external noise, the repeated visits suggest a conscious effort to recalibrate during a demanding phase of his career.