Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma expecting second child, confirms AB de Villiers

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, on Saturday, unveiled the real reason behind Virat Kohli's absence from the first two Test matches against England.

The 39-year-old old disclosed that the star Indian cricketer and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child.

Kohli was initially part of the squad announced for the initial two Tests but withdrew from both games before the start of the Hyderabad tie, citing personal reasons.

De Villiers made this significant revelation during a Q&A session on his YouTube channel. One of his fans inquired whether he had checked with Kohli after his withdrawal from the first two Tests against England and if he would be returning for the final three matches.

"All I know is he is fine. He is spending a bit of time with his family, that is the reason he is missing the first two Test matches. I am not going to confirm anything else. I cannot wait to see him back. He is fine, he is doing well," the former Royal Challengers Bangalore batter said.

While providing further clarity regarding his disclosure, De Villiers commenced reading his text message exchange with Kohli. It was during this moment that he affirmed the news that the former India captain and his wife Anushka are anticipating their second child.

"Let me just see what he said. I just want to at least give you a little bit of love," he added. "So I wrote to him 'Been wanting to check in with you for a while now biscuits. How are you?'. He said 'Just need to be with my family right now. I am doing well'.

“Yes, his second child is on the way. Yes, it's family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for. I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that.”

It was three days before the start of the first Test against Ben Stokes' men when Kohli decided to pull out of the contest in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

According to the BCCI release, Kohli had a word with India captain Rohit Sharma and the team management, saying that while representing his country remains his top priority, he had to give "undivided attention" to personal situations at present.

"Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention," the statement read.

BCCI urged fans and media to not engage in speculations over Kohli's absence as Rajat Patidar was named as his replacement for the first two Tests.

It is yet to be confirmed whether Virat Kohli will return to the squad for the last three Tests.

Remember, Virat and Anushka tied the knot in 2017. The star couple welcomed their first child Vamika in January 2021. 

He had prioritised family in 2021 as the then captain had returned home after the first of the four-Test series in Australia to be with his wife during the birth of their first child.