Indian cricket team pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has come out in strong defense of Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma following recent online criticism over their spiritual journeys. The star couple had traveled directly from London to Vrindavan on July 22 after the conclusion of the ODI series against England to seek blessings from Premanand Maharaj. However, their frequent visits drew unwarranted criticism from certain sections on social media, prompting Shami to openly support them and dismiss the backlash.
Praising Discipline And Dedication
Speaking about his colleague, Shami highlighted Virat Kohli's immense dedication and strict discipline toward his profession. He pointed out that the batter manages his time exceptionally well and balances his sporting career with his spiritual pursuits equally. Shami emphasized that this is not a new facet of Virat's personality, as he approaches everything with deep passion. He expressed complete incomprehension regarding why people find issue with a married couple seeking spiritual guidance together, stating that such criticism is entirely uncalled for.
The Timeline Of The Vrindavan Visit
The controversy stemmed from the couple's arrival in Vrindavan straight from London immediately after finishing their England assignments. During this visit, they spent time interacting with Premanand Maharaj and receiving his blessings, a practice they have undertaken on several previous occasions as well. While these trips are deeply personal, the continuous online commentary surrounding them forced supporters to speak up against the negativity.
Performance During The England Tour
On the cricketing front, Virat Kohli delivered a commendable batting performance during the three-match ODI series in England. He accumulated a total of 144 runs, maintaining a solid batting average of 48.00 alongside an impressive strike rate of 109.09. The seasoned batter also registered two half-centuries to his name during the tour, although the Indian team ultimately finished on the losing side with a 1-2 series scoreline.
Upcoming Fixtures In The ODI Format
Having already stepped away from Test and T20 international cricket, Virat Kohli now focuses exclusively on the 50-over format. Fans will next see him in action during the home ODI series against West Indies scheduled for September and October. The three-match rubber will kick off on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by the second fixture in Guwahati on September 30, and the final encounter in New Chandigarh on October 3.
