Virat Kohli could miss the third Test against England which will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot, from February 15 to 19, reported ANI News on Saturday.
Kohli withdrew from the first two Tests and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still do not know about the availability of the talisman.
Although BCCI didn’t reveal any reason behind the 35-year-old’s absence, it was speculated that Kohli ruled himself out from the first two Tests due to family reasons.
However, Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, on Saturday, unveiled the real reason behind Kohli's absence from the first two Test matches against England.
The 39-year-old disclosed that the star Indian cricketer and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child.
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.”
- Virat Kohli
