Kohli pulled out of the first two Tests against England, citing personal reasons for his absence. A BCCI statement later urged fans to not speculate on the reasons of his decision. Initial reports swirled around his mother’s ill health, which were refuted by his brother, Vikas Kohli.

AB de Villiers retracts statement

However, former South Africa cricketer de Villiers, who shares a close friendship with Kohli after playing for IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore together, let it slip as he claimed on a live YouTube session last week that Kohli is spending time with his family as he awaits the birth of his second child.

Reports have now emerged that Kohli is likely to miss the next two Tests against England, in Rajkot and Ranchi, the squads for which will be announced today (February 9).

De Villiers has now clarified that he spread misinformation about Kohli and made a terrible mistake.

“I made a terrible mistake”

Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, he said, “Family comes first. It is a 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.”

Listen to what AB Devilliers said to me about Virat Kohli's break from international cricket. #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/5WMHaYBqGS

— Bikram Pratap Singh (@bikram123) February 9, 2024

He however defended Kohli’s wish for a personal break in between the England Test series, saying family is of utmost importance, a view echoed by Nasser Hussain as well. “Whatever is best for Virat, and his family comes first,” de Villiers said. “No one knows what’s happening. All I can do is wish him well, and I think all the world that follows Virat and enjoys his cricket will be hoping he can make a strong comeback.”