In a significant revelation, former RCB teammate and close friend AB de Villiers shed light on the reason behind Virat Kohli’s absence from the first two Test matches against England. During a live session on his YouTube channel, de Villiers confirmed that Kohli had withdrawn from the matches due to the impending arrival of his second child with wife Anushka Sharma, emphasizing the priority of family time for the Indian skipper.
Responding to a fan query about Kohli’s absence and his potential return for the upcoming Test matches, de Villiers candidly shared, “Yes, so his second child is on the way, it’s family time, it’s a priority of his family and things are important to you.” He underscored the significance of staying true to oneself and prioritizing family obligations, asserting that Kohli’s decision to focus on family was commendable.
Ab de villiers just confirmed that Virat Kohli’s 2nd child in on the way ❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/o2BHhhqTuL
— ` (@chixxsays) February 3, 2024
The news of Kohli’s second child had been circulating in the media, but de Villiers’ confirmation provided clarity on the matter. Kohli’s commitment to family responsibilities had also led to his absence from the first T20I match against Afghanistan earlier in the month, further highlighting the significance of personal priorities.
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Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Vamika, on January 11, 2021, choosing to keep her away from the public eye. The couple’s decision to prioritize family time resonates with their commitment to maintaining a balance between personal and professional life.
De Villiers, known for his camaraderie with Kohli both on and off the field, expressed his concern for his friend’s well-being and acknowledged their strong bond forged during their time together at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. Their partnership has been instrumental in numerous victories for the franchise, symbolizing their shared history and mutual respect.
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Meanwhile, Kohli’s stellar performances in international cricket have earned him accolades, including being named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding contributions in 2023. With an impressive tally of six centuries and a historic milestone of 50 ODI tons, Kohli continues to be a dominant force in the cricketing world.
As Kohli aims to emulate Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, his dedication to excellence on and off the field remains unwavering. Despite his absence from the ongoing Test series, Kohli’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players continues to inspire fans worldwide.
