In Pics: When players including Kohli, Nehra took cricketing advice from Ram Rahim

Famous sports personalities including Indian skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Ashish Nehra once used to follow the self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and they, reportedly, used to take advices for their upcoming matches.

The 50-years-old 'Baba sant', who is convicted in a rape case, had earlier claimed to have trained Kohli and speedster Nehra.

According to the reports, many players sought blessing and guidance from the controversial spiritual guru.

“There is boxer Vijender Singh who is winning so many medals for the country. Then there is Virat Kohli. I have this video of him with me where he came to me to learn so many things and now he is one of the best in the world. He (Virat Kohli) was unable to convert good starts into big scores. I suggested him to practise hard and continue learning," the Dera Sacha Sauda chief was once quoted by a portal.

“Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan both had come to me, seeking help to strengthen their muscles. Shikhar bola main kahin budha na ho jaun (Shikhar said I hope I don't get old quickly), help me gain some strength.

“I told Virat that you play very well but after scoring 30-40 runs, you want to pull off a new shot and that's where you go wrong. Virat was amazed and shocked that I knew this. I advised him that he should practise those shots before getting onto the field and continue with his usual attacking game pattern.”

“He was very satisfied with my advice. He called back to thank me as he moved ahead in his career. Besides him, players like Yusuf Pathan, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan, Amit Mishra have also visited me for guidance,” the self-styled godman had said.

The quantum of punishment in the case will be announced on 28 August. The verdict led to the eruption of violence in Haryana and Punjab in which 31 people have been killed, while 250 are reported to be injured.