IND v ENG 2024: WATCH - AB de Villiers reveals reason behind Virat Kohli's absence from first two Tests against England

Kohli pulled out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.

South African legend AB de Villiers on Saturday (February 3) revealed that he checked on Virat Kohli after the star Indian batter pulled out of the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match series against England.

Kohli withdrew his name from the first two games citing personal reasons, leading to all sorts of speculations from the fans and media.

However, De Villiers dismissed the rumours by saying that Kohli is doing fine and has been spending time with his family.

The former Proteas skipper also disclosed that Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting the birth of their second child.

"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," AB de Villiers said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

De Villiers referred to his text message exchange with Kohli before sharing the good news with the fans.

"Let me just see what he said. I just want to at least give you (fans) a little bit of love," he added.

"So I wrote to him 'Been wanting to check in with you (sic) 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," he further stated.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tied the knot in 2017. They were blessed with a daughter named Vamika on January 11, 2021. Back then, Kohli had also prioritized family as he returned home after the first match of the four-Test series in Australia to be with his wife.

Last month, the BCCI issued a statement on Kohli’s withdrawal from the first two Tests against England and urged the fans and media to respect his privacy. Subsequently, rumors of his mother being unwell also emerged on social media.

However, Vikas Kohli, brother of Virat Kohli, refuted rumors of their mother health and that being the reason for the cricketer to take a break.