AB de Villiers seeks apology after sharing false information about Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Virat Kohli has been the face of world cricket over the years. The former India captain took a break from the first two Test matches against England and is looking doubtful for the last three as well. Citing personal reasons the star batter has taken a break. There have been speculations that he and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting the birth their second child. The couple were blessed with their first child, Vamika in January 2021.

The 35-year-old batter told the Indian Cricket Board that he would be withdrawing from the first two Tests for "personal reasons". However, AB de Villiers, one of Kohli's closest cricketing friends, revealed in a live session on his own YouTube channel that the Delhi batter was awaiting the birth of his second kid.

But later accepting the mistake the former South Africa captain revealed that the information he provided was false and he did not know anything about why he had taken off and cleared out on the statement he had given a couple of days earlier. There is also some uncertainty around his availability for the fifth and final Test. The squad for the last three Tests is likely to be named on Friday, February 9. 

Family comes first: AB de Villiers

The former RCB batter told Bhaskar in an exclusive interview, "Family comes first, it's a 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 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."

Previously he was caught saying, "Yes, his second child is on the way. Yes, it's family time and things are important to him. If you are not 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 the right decision."