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AB de Villiers (left), Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma (Source: X)
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has found himself in the midst of controversy after spreading false information about Virat Kohli's absence from the ongoing India-England Test series. The star India batter left the Indian squad just days before the series opener in Hyderabad. The Indian Cricket Board said it was for 'personal reasons' and asked the media and fans to respect the cricketer's privacy.
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As Kohli was absent from the first two Test matches, fans started speculating a lot in his absence. It was then that de Villers took to his YouTube channel to claim that the former India captain and his wife Anushka Sharma were expecting their second child. De Villiers, known for his camaraderie with Kohli on and off the field, said he had spoken to the Indian stawart and he was spending time with his family.
"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,” the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star said in his YT video.
No one knows what's happening there: de Villiers on Kohli's absence
De Villiers was subsequently criticised and trolled by fans on social media for revealing the secrets. Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the legendary cricketer has come up with an apology for sharing false information about his friend. In an interview, the 39-year-old corrected his mistake saying that the news that Virat and Anushka are expecting their second child is not true.
"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.
Watch the video below:
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Meanwhile, there are reports that Kohli is likely to miss the third and fourth Tests of the India vs England series as well. While the board is expected to reveal the squad in the coming days, the 35-year-old has not confirmed his availability for selection. There is a cloud of uncertainty over his availability for the fifth and final Test.