India batting star Virat Kohli made headlines off the field after arriving in London with the Indian squad ahead of the third and final ODI against England. The veteran batter was seen leaving the team hotel in a private car shortly after the squad reached the English capital on Friday, July 17, sparking widespread discussion on social media.
A video that quickly went viral showed the Indian players stepping off the team bus and entering the hotel together. However, Kohli chose a different route, getting into a waiting private vehicle and leaving separately instead of joining his teammates inside the hotel.
According to reports, Kohli was heading to his family home in London, where his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, are currently based. The couple reportedly relocated to the United Kingdom in early 2024 in search of a quieter lifestyle, away from the constant public attention they experienced in India.
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Living in London has allowed Kohli and his family to enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Reports suggest the family spends much of its time in the Notting Hill area, where they can visit parks, use public transport, and spend quality time together without attracting large crowds. Last month, Kohli and Anushka were photographed enjoying a family outing in a London park, with images of the former India captain carrying son Akaay on his shoulders widely shared across social media.
Virat Kohli took Indian team player and management staff on a tour of Birmingham.
– Local Boy Virat Kohli spotted with team India players KL RAHUL, Kuldeep Yadav , Prasidh Krishna and Ryan Ten doschate showing them Birmingham places.
– Virat’s bodyguard Strictly giving warning… pic.twitter.com/SwzKhJMyz6
— Jeet (@JeetN25) July 13, 2026
Despite spending significant time in the UK, Kohli continues to travel with Team India for international assignments and major ICC tournaments. His immediate focus now shifts to the series-deciding ODI at Lord’s after India suffered a four-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, allowing England to level the three-match series 1-1.
Kohli was one of India’s standout performers in Cardiff. After being dismissed for just five runs in the series opener, the 36-year-old responded with a composed 65 off 66 deliveries, striking eight boundaries. He also stitched together a vital 67-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer before falling to Jofra Archer.
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The innings also saw Kohli achieve two significant milestones. He became the Indian batter with the most 50-plus scores against England in international cricket and overtook previous records to become India’s highest run-scorer across all formats in international matches played in England. With the series on the line at Lord’s, Kohli will be eager to carry that momentum into the decisive clash.
