File photo of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma©Instagram
Away from cricket, Virat Kohli spent quality time with his family as his wife Anushka Sharma gave birth to the couple’s second child, son Akaay. Virat decided to skip the entire 5-match Test series against England to be with his wife, a decision that remained under debate among fans throughout the series. As Kohli returned to cricket duties, joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, he admitted that it was a surreal experience spending time away from the game, with his family.
Rumor had it that Anushka and Virat were in England during the former’s pregnancy with the second child. After his 77 win over Punjab Kings on Monday, Kohli confirmed that he was out of the country for a few months.
“We weren’t in the countryside. We were in a place where people didn’t recognize us. Spending time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was an experience Surreal Of course, having With two children, things become totally different from a family perspective: just the ability to be together, the bonds you make with your older child.
“I couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with family. It’s an incredible experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognized. It’s the promise I can make here – I will keep shooting and keep giving my best,” Kohli said.
During the post-match chat, Kohli also spoke about his future in the shortest format, launching a scathing attack on those debating his place in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“I know my name is now attached to promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I still have it, I guess,” 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 coming in and doing my best.” He was a little disappointed that he couldn’t finish the match.
“I’m trying to give the team a flying start, but if wickets are falling you have to assess. It wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed we couldn’t finish the match. The ball was in the slot but cut it to the deep point.” He started hitting the elevated cover disc and it is his constant effort to evolve as a hitter.
“They know I play well in coverage, so they won’t allow me to take gaps. You have to find a game plan here and there.” For RCB fans, he is and will remain the “king”.
“It’s been going on for years (a love affair with Chinnaswamy fans). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sports: performances, statistics, numbers.”
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