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AB de Villiers reveals reason for Virat Kohli’s absence from England Tests

Says the Indian batter and wife are expecting second child
Photo via Instagram/virat.kohli
Photo via Instagram/virat.kohli

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers on Saturday revealed that Virat Kohli dropped out of the first two Test matches against England as the Indian star batter and his wife Anushka Sharma were expecting their second child, Indian Today reported.

“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,” De Villiers said during a show on his YouTube channel.

Kohli was initially part of the Indian squad named for the opening two Tests, however, he decided to pull out of both the games due to personal reasons.

The former Royal Challengers Bangalore batter said that he exchanged text messages with Kohli who confirmed that he dropped out of the two test to spend time with his family.

Read: Jaiswal double ton powers India to 396 in England Test

“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. Yes, we miss him. But he has made absolutely the right decision,” he added.

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) release, Kohli had informed India captain Rohit Sharma and the team management about his decision.

“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.

In the opening test, England pulled off a dramatic 28-run upset win over India on day four on January 28.

Chasing 231 for victory, India were bowled out for 202 in the final over of an extended third session of play in Hyderabad, as Hartley got Mohammed Siraj stumped with his left-arm spin to trigger celebrations from the England camp.

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