Away from the cricketing world, Virat Kohli spent some quality time with his family as his wife Anushka Sharma gave birth to the couple’s second child, son Akaay. Virat decided to miss the entire five-match Test series against England to be with his wife, a decision that remained debated among fans throughout the series. When Kohli resumed his cricketing duties and joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side, he admitted that it was a surreal experience to spend some time away from the game, with his family.
It was rumored that Anushka and Virat were in England during the former’s pregnancy with the second child. After his match-winning 77 against Punjab Kings on Monday, Kohli confirmed that he was abroad for a few months.
“We weren’t in the country. We were in a place where people didn’t recognize us. Just spending time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Of course If you have two children, things become completely different from a family perspective: just the ability to be together, the connections you make with your older child.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with family. It’s an amazing experience to just be someone else on the road and not be recognized. That’s the promise I can make here: I will keep running and keep doing my best,” Kohli said.
During the post-match chat, Kohli also spoke about his future in the shortest format, delivering a sharp attack on those who have been debating his place in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“I know my name is now associated with promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I still have it, I think,” he said with a cheeky smile.
“I’m not playing for these Caps anymore. That’s the promise I can make here: I’ll keep showing up and keep doing my best.” He was a little disappointed that he couldn’t finish the match.
“I’m trying to get the team off to a flying start but when wickets fall you have to judge that. It wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game. The ball was in the slot but cut it to a deep point.” He has started hitting the lofted cover drive and it is his constant attempt to evolve as a hitter.
“They know I play the cover drive well, so they won’t let me punch holes. You have to come up with a game plan here and there.” For the RCB fans, he is and will still be the ‘King’.
“It’s been going on for years (love story with the fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sports: achievements, statistics, numbers.”
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