Actor Anushka Sharma and her cricketer husband, Virat Kohli, recently visited Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, with their children, Vamika and Akaay. Their interaction with the saint has gained significant attention on social media.

In a widely shared clip, Anushka is seen asking the saint for the “devotion of love” and expressing that she frequently listens to his spiritual discourses. Virat, on the other hand, quietly held Akaay in his arms, listening intently to the conversation.

During her discussion with Premanand Maharaj, Anushka shared, “The last time I came, I had a few questions in my heart. I wanted to ask them, but others present there asked similar questions.” She smiled as she continued, “When I was considering coming here, I was speaking to you in my mind. The next day, while reading ‘Kanti Vartalap,’ those very questions would be raised by someone else. All I seek now is your blessings.”

In response, Premanand Maharaj admired their devotion, saying in Hindi, “It takes great courage to dedicate oneself to God after achieving such fame in the world. We believe that your (Anushka’s) devotion to God will positively influence him (Kohli) as well.”

The video also features Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj praising Anushka for keeping Virat Kohli grounded in humility and faith, despite his immense success.

Anushka and Virat have recently returned to India following the Australia Test series.

The couple welcomed the New Year in Sydney, Australia, and a video of them walking hand-in-hand through the city has gone viral online. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been in Australia for a while as the Indian cricket team competes against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The video, which has been shared by numerous fan pages dedicated to the couple, features them coordinated in stylish black outfits. Virat looks sharp in a black suit, while Anushka dazzles in a chic little black dress. They were accompanied by Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal as they seemingly ventured out to celebrate and welcome 2025 together.

Earlier, on December 11, the couple was photographed outside their hotel while celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary. They also enjoyed a Christmas breakfast at a café in Melbourne, which later shared a picture of the couple and expressed their happiness at having hosted them.

The Indian women’s cricket team cruised to a commanding 6-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first ODI at Rajkot, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The chase of 239 was spearheaded by opener Pratika Rawal’s composed 89 and Tejal Hasabnis’ unbeaten 53, sealing the win in just 34.3 overs.

Ireland’s valiant effort

Opting to bat first, Ireland had a shaky start as Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare dismantled their top order, reducing them to 56/4 in the powerplay. Captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul then orchestrated a crucial 117-run partnership, stabilizing the innings. Lewis played a captain’s knock of 92, narrowly missing out on a century, while Paul contributed a gritty 59.

Late cameos by Arlene Kelly and Georgina Dempsey lifted Ireland to a competitive total of 238/7. Priya Mishra impressed with figures of 2/56, keeping the visitors in check during the death overs.

India’s emphatic chase

India’s reply began on a high note with stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana smashing a brisk 41 off 29 balls. During her explosive innings, Mandhana achieved a milestone, becoming the fastest Indian women’s cricketer to reach 4000 ODI runs.

After Mandhana’s dismissal, opener Pratika Rawal and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis took control. Rawal showcased her class with a 96-ball 89, striking 10 boundaries before being dismissed while attempting an ambitious lofted shot. Tejal Hasabnis, on the other hand, played a steady hand, remaining unbeaten on 53 to anchor the chase after Rawal’s departure.

Despite Aimee Maguire’s three-wicket haul, Ireland’s bowlers failed to trouble the Indian batters, who capitalized on loose deliveries and fielding lapses to maintain a dominant scoring rate.

Series outlook

The victory underlines India’s all-around strength, with both batters and bowlers stepping up to the occasion. Ireland, however, will aim to regroup and fight back in the second ODI to keep the series alive.

India Women, led by Smriti Mandhana, kicked off their three-match ODI series against Ireland Women on Friday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Riding on their recent dominance against the West Indies, India aimed to maintain their winning streak, while Ireland looked to make a mark with their young and dynamic squad.

Ireland’s batting highlights

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland Women put up a competitive total of 238/7 in 50 overs. Captain Gaby Lewis led from the front, scoring a remarkable 92 runs, anchoring Ireland’s innings with skill and determination. The Indian bowlers, particularly Priya Mishra, made significant breakthroughs, with Mishra picking up two key wickets.

India’s recent momentum

India entered the series high on confidence following their clean sweep of the West Indies in the ODI series (3-0) and a 2-1 victory in the T20 series. Skipper Smriti Mandhana has been in stellar form, emerging as the top scorer in both formats. Her consistency with the bat, including two half-centuries in the ODI series and three successive fifties in the T20s, has been a key factor in India’s success.

Key players to watch

For Ireland, all-rounder Orla Prendergast has been a player to watch, bringing her experience from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her skills with both bat and ball make her a critical player in Ireland’s lineup.

India’s lineup boasts a mix of experience and youth, with players like Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues providing stability in the middle order, while Deepti Sharma continues to be a reliable all-rounder.

Squads

India Women Playing XI:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Titas Sadhu

Ireland Women Playing XI:
Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Una Raymond-Hoey, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Coulter Reilly (w), Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey, Freya Sargent, Aimee Maguire