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Mumbai: India pacer Mohammed Shami has come out strongly in support of Virat Kohli amid growing discussions around the former captain’s spiritual journey and whether it has been influenced by his wife Anushka Sharma.

Kohli and Anushka have frequently been seen visiting spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan, including a recent visit after India’s ODI series against England last month. Their visits have sparked conversations on social media, with some questioning whether Kohli’s increasing spiritual inclination is a personal choice or influenced by his partner.

Shami dismisses criticism over faith

Responding to such debates, Shami made it clear that Kohli’s devotion is neither new nor influenced by external pressure. According to the senior pacer, Kohli has always been deeply committed to his beliefs and follows them with discipline.

Speaking in a recent interaction, Shami said that Kohli’s spiritual side is a reflection of his personality — someone who is focused, methodical and passionate about everything he does.

He emphasised that practising faith is a personal matter and should not be subjected to public scrutiny or criticism. In his view, there is no justification for questioning an individual’s beliefs or how they choose to express them.

Spiritual visits part of Kohli’s routine

Over the past few years, Kohli and Anushka have made several visits to temples and ashrams across India. Their trips to Vrindavan, in particular, have gained attention, as the couple has been spotted seeking blessings and spending time in spiritual reflection.

For Kohli, who has often spoken about mental well-being and balance, spirituality appears to be an important aspect of his lifestyle. His disciplined approach on the field seems to extend into his personal life as well, where he maintains structured routines, including time dedicated to faith and introspection.

Shami’s comments suggest that these practices are not sudden changes but part of a long-standing belief system that Kohli has nurtured over time.

“No issue if Anushka influenced him”

Addressing the specific claim that Anushka Sharma may have played a role in shaping Kohli’s spiritual journey, Shami dismissed the criticism outright. He stated that even if that were the case, it should not be seen as a problem.

According to Shami, relationships often involve shared values and mutual influence, and there is nothing unusual about partners inspiring each other in matters of belief or lifestyle.

He questioned why anyone should take issue with a couple practising faith together, adding that such matters are private and should not be judged by outsiders.

Focus remains on cricket

Despite the off-field discussions, Kohli continues to remain a central figure in Indian cricket. He was recently part of India’s ODI series against England, where the team suffered a 2-1 defeat.

Looking ahead, Kohli is expected to return to action in the upcoming series against the West Indies in September. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, his form and leadership — even without the captaincy — remain crucial for the team.

Larger debate on athletes and personal beliefs

The conversation around Kohli’s spirituality reflects a broader trend where public figures often face scrutiny over their personal choices. In recent years, several athletes have openly discussed the role of faith, mindfulness and mental conditioning in enhancing performance and maintaining balance.

Shami’s defence highlights the importance of respecting individual choices, especially when they do not interfere with professional responsibilities. His remarks also underline the need to separate personal beliefs from public expectations.

Conclusion

Mohammed Shami’s strong backing of Virat Kohli reinforces the idea that spirituality is a personal journey, shaped by individual beliefs and experiences. Whether influenced by Anushka Sharma or not, Kohli’s faith remains his own choice. As long as it contributes positively to his life and career, it is unlikely to affect his standing as one of India’s finest cricketers.