Virat Kohli had visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain a day after Gautam Gambhir, seeking blessings ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand.
India star batter Virat Kohli paid a visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Friday, just a day after head coach Gautam Gambhir’s visit, ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand scheduled for January 18. Kohli followed his coach’s footsteps by offering prayers at the revered shrine before the series decider.
Virat Kohli has not always been known as a regular follower of Hindu temples and rituals, particularly during the early years after his marriage to Anushka Sharma. However, a clear shift has been seen in his spiritual journey over the years.
Virat Kohli’s Spiritual Visit In Ujjain
Some of Kohli’s notable spiritual visits include Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram and meetings with Sri Premanand Maharaj. He has also attended the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple on several occasions, including in March 2023 and early 2025.
Ahead of the final ODI, Kohli visited the temple alone, without Anushka Sharma, who usually accompanies him on such religious occasions.
Virat Kohli attended the Bhasma Aarti at the Nandi Hall, where he was seen singing and praying alongside the pandits present. After the aarti concluded, he offered prayers and was warmly welcomed by the temple authorities.
The officials honoured him with shawls and religious attire. Kohli was seen in a new avatar, with his forehead adorned with sacred tikas and yellow chandan marks. His visit drew significant attention from locals and security personnel present at the temple.
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Virat Kohli’s Success In Cricket
In cricket, Virat Kohli continues to enjoy a prolific run, especially in the ODI format, following his retirement from Test and T20 cricket. He has been in strong form in one-day internationals, starting with a 74-run knock in the third ODI in Australia. He followed it up with two centuries in the South Africa ODI series and another hundred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite.
Although the New Zealand series saw a brief dip, with Kohli struggling in the second ODI, he will be keen to bounce back in the final match. The series decider will take place in Indore on January 18, where Kohli will aim to finish the series on a positive note.
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