'I made a terrible mistake, shared false information' - AB de Villiers on claiming Virat-Anushka expecting second child

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are one of the most revered couples in India. The legendary cricketer got married to the popular Bollywood actress on December 11, 2017, and the two lovebirds were blessed with their first child - Vamika in January 2021.

When Kohli skipped the first two Tests between India and England, the cricket fraternity started speculating what the reason could be behind his decision. The former India captain had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he was opting out of the first two Tests due to "personal reasons". However, AB de Villiers, who is one of Kohli's better friends from the cricketing circuit, claimed in a live session on his official YouTube channel that the Delhi batter was expecting the birth of his second child.

"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,” De Villiers said in the video.

The legendary South African batter was subsequently trolled by the fans for leaking the news. Now, Kohli's former Indian Premier League (IPL) teammate has admitted that he made an error by sharing "false information".

"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 in an exclusive interview.

Also Read: The game needs to look after Virat Kohli as well: Nasser Hussain

Virat Kohli may miss next two Tests versus England as well

According to reports, Kohli might rule himself out of the third and fourth Tests versus England as well. There is also a cloud of uncertainty regarding his availability for the fifth and final Test. The squad for the final three Tests is expected to be announced on Friday, February 9.

The five-match series is intriguingly poised at 1-1. England won the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs before India bounced back with a 106-run win in Visakhapatnam in the second. The action will now shift to Rajkot for the third Test, which begins on Thursday, February 15.

Also Read: Reports: Virat Kohli to miss entire England series, KL Rahul-Ravindra Jadeja expected to play in 3rd Test