Virat Kohli's spiritual visits defended by teammate Mohammed Shami

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami defended fellow cricketer Virat Kohli against criticism of his and wife Anushka Sharma's frequent spiritual trips. Shami said the visits are "a good thing, not sudden, and he is very passionate and gives time to his beliefs," emphasizing that personal faith should not be judged.

Kohli and Sharma travelled to Vrindavan after the England ODI series in July 2026 to meet spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. While fans on social media questioned the couple's public devotion, Shami reiterated that there is no need to point out or criticize their choices. Kohli, who scored 144 runs in the England series, is set to return for India's next ODI series against the West Indies later in September.