21 February,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers (Pic: AFP)
Virat Kohli son: Virat Kohli has announced the birth of his second child, ending speculation over the reason for his absence from India's ongoing home Test series against England.
Kohli said his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, delivered a baby boy last Thursday. The couple already have a daughter named Vamika.
"With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay and Vamika's little brother into this world," Kohli, 35, said on Instagram. "We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time," he added.
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On his Youtube channel a few days ago, former South African skipper and Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate De Villiers had claimed that the former India captain opted out of the series due to the impending arrival of his second child with actor wife Anushka. However, a day later, he back-tracked on that statement in an interaction with select media on the sidelines of the ongoing SA T20 league.
"Family comes first, it's priority as I said on my Youtube channel. I also made a terrible mistake at the same time, sharing false information that was not true at all," de Villiers said. "I just think that whatever is best for Virat and his family comes first, no one knows what's happening there. All I can do is wish him well. Whatever the reason is for this break, I really hope he comes back stronger and better, healthy and fresh and ready to take on the world," he added.
Virat Kohli son: Akaay-John together at RCB in future?
Meanwhile, hours after Kohli's announcement, memes playfully referencing De Villiers' earlier prediction on his family life have taken the Internet by fire, adding a humorous twist to the occasion. As it turns out, netizens are eagerly awaiting the unfolding chapters of Akaay Kohli's future, while also envisioning a possible partnership with De Villiers' son, John de Villiers, at RCB.
Meanwhile, Kohli had opted out of the ongoing five-match series against England citing personal reasons. India currently lead the series 2-1, with the fourth Test starting in Ranchi on Friday. The fifth and final Test will be played in Dharamsala from March 7.