Virat Kohli’s spiritual presence has increased multifold in the last few years. From temples in Uttarakhand to ashrams in Vrindavan, the former India captain has been increasingly seen seeking calm away from the noise of international sport. On Saturday morning, Kohli, along with left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, visited the revered Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, a little under two hours from Indore’s Holkar Stadium, where India will face New Zealand in the series-deciding third ODI.
The visit came on the eve of a crucial contest, with the series locked at 1-1. Dressed simply, Kohli and Kuldeep offered prayers inside the sanctum before interacting briefly with devotees outside the temple complex. Kuldeep, who visited the famous Ujjain temple for the first time seeked the T20 World Cup 2026.
“It was a very good experience. It’s been 9 years since I first had darshan here. It brings a lot of joy and bliss. By the grace of God, everything is good, and if his grace remains, we will perform well in the World Cup,” the spinner said after the visit.
India prepare to win ODI series vs NZ
India arrive in Indore with momentum dented following the seven-wicket defeat in Rajkot. KL Rahul’s superlative unbeaten 112 had powered India to 284, yet Daryl Mitchell’s masterful 131 ensured New Zealand chased it down comfortably to level the series. Now, all eyes will be at the Holkar Stadium, another high-scoring ground, to see if New Zealand can topple India again in India.
For Kohli, the match will also mark his first outing after reclaiming the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings. Although he managed only 23 in Rajkot, the innings helped him become India’s highest run-getter against New Zealand in ODIs, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar. In 35 games versus the Kiwis, Kohli has now amassed 1,773 runs at an average above 55.
