Virat Kohli chants Jai Shree Mahakal as he offers prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple ahead of the 3rd odi vs New Zealand

virat kohli mahakaleshwar

• Kohli visits Mahakaleshwar Temple before India vs New Zealand ODI decider
• Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav joined the Bhasma Aarti at Jyotirlinga shrine.
• The ODI series is tied 1-1 with the final match set for Holkar Stadium in Indore

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In a moment that blended sport with spirituality, Virat Kohli visited the revered Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the third and final One Day International (ODI) between India and New Zealand. Kohli, accompanied by teammate Kuldeep Yadav, took part in the early-morning Bhasma Aarti ritual at the Jyotirlinga shrine, seeking blessings before the series decider scheduled at Holkar Stadium in Indore.

A video shared widely on social media showed the star batter bowing in prayer and chanting “Jai Shree Mahakal” as he visited the temple, underlining his spiritual preparation ahead of the high-stakes encounter. Both Kohli and Kuldeep were seen immersed in the ritual, which is considered one of the most sacred ceremonies at the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Former Indian Captain and Star Cricketer Virat Kohli offered prayers at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. He says, "Jai shree Mahakal..." pic.twitter.com/2UzpgcvFZn

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2026

The series is finely poised at 1-1, following New Zealand’s strong comeback in the second ODI and India’s victory in the opening match. With everything to play for in the final match, Kohli’s visit underlined a familiar cricketing tradition in India — seeking divine support before a critical game.

Earlier visits to the temple by figures such as head coach Gautam Gambhir and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul hint at a collective desire for calm and blessing before Sunday’s contest.

As India and New Zealand prepare to lock horns for the final match of the series, Kohli’s spiritual visit adds a powerful emotional context to what promises to be a thrilling cricketing finale.