Former South African batter AB de Villiers has changed his stance on the explanation for Virat Kohli’s non-participation in the first two Test matches against England.
AB de Villiers has expressed regret for disseminating “false information” regarding Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.
Virat Kohli decided to sit out the initial two Tests in the ongoing five-match series against England on home turf. As per ESPNCricinfo’s report, the 35-year-old batsman is likely to skip the third and fourth Tests, with his participation in the fifth and final match remaining uncertain.
When Kohli opted out of the first two Tests against England, the cricket community began to ponder the reason behind his decision. The former Indian captain had conveyed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he was stepping back from the first two Tests citing “personal reasons.” However, AB de Villiers, a close friend of Kohli in the cricketing circle, shared during a live session on his official YouTube channel that the Delhi batsman was anticipating the arrival of his second child.
“So, yes his second child is on the way, it’s family time. You cannot judge Virat for that, and yes we miss him but he’s made the right decision. We wish him all the very best for the great blessing of being able to become a father for the second time and All the Best to Anushka as well,” De Villiers said in the video.
After the renowned South African batsman unintentionally revealed the news, fans playfully teased him. A former teammate of Kohli from the Indian Premier League (IPL) has now confessed to making a mistake by spreading “false information.”
“Family comes first, it’s priority, as I said on my YouTube show. I also made a terrible mistake at the same time – Sharing false information, which was not true at all. So, I just think whatever space for Virat and his family comes first. No one knows what’s happening there. All I can do is wish him well and I think the whole world that follows Virat and enjoys his cricket, must just wish him well and whatever the reason is for this break, really hope that he comes back stronger and better and healthier and fresh and ready to take on the world again,” De Villiers told Dainik Bhaskar in an exclusive interview.
Reports suggest that Kohli could potentially opt out of the third and fourth Tests against England. Furthermore, there remains a degree of uncertainty surrounding his participation in the fifth and final Test. The announcement of the squad for the last three Tests is anticipated on Friday, February 9th.
