Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers: A Friendship Tested and Rekindled After Public Misstep
In a candid revelation that has stirred the cricket world, South African batting legend AB de Villiers has admitted to a significant lapse in judgment that temporarily strained his cherished friendship with Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli. The duo, whose bond was forged during their time at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), faced a rough patch in early 2024, only to emerge stronger, much to the relief of fans and de Villiers himself.
The saga began when Kohli, the former Indian captain, opted out of a crucial home Test series against England in February 2024, citing personal reasons. Amid swirling speculation, de Villiers, on his popular YouTube channel, prematurely disclosed that Kohli’s absence was due to the impending arrival of his second child with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma. While the information was later confirmed with the birth of their son Akaay on February 15, 2024, the untimely revelation was perceived as an invasion of privacy, leading to a communication blackout between the two stalwarts for several months.
Speaking exclusively to Cricket.com, de Villiers expressed profound relief at mending ties with Kohli. ‘Thank goodness! I did put my foot in my mouth earlier this year when they were expecting their second child. I was overjoyed and very relieved when he started talking to me again,’ he shared, acknowledging the blunder that had caught worldwide attention. In a subsequent apology to Dainik Bhaskar, de Villiers had termed his statement a ‘terrible mistake,’ emphasizing, ‘Family comes first, and cricket follows. That information was unverified and untrue at the time. I hope Virat returns stronger, whatever the reason for his break.’
The incident sheds light on the delicate balance public figures must maintain between personal and professional lives, especially in the age of social media where every word is scrutinized. Kohli, known for his fierce protection of family privacy, understandably distanced himself following the disclosure. However, the eventual reconciliation speaks volumes about the depth of their friendship, one that has been a benchmark in modern cricket. Their camaraderie at RCB, where de Villiers played from 2011 to 2021 and Kohli captained for nearly a decade, saw them orchestrate countless memorable victories, including record-breaking partnerships in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Adding another layer to their dynamic, de Villiers touched upon Kohli’s evolving career decisions, though there was a slight mix-up in initial reports about Test retirement. To clarify, Kohli has not retired from Test cricket as of late 2024; rather, he continues to be a pivotal figure in India’s red-ball setup, amassing over 8,800 Test runs at an average of 49.15, including 29 centuries. De Villiers noted, ‘He went through a challenging phase and often bounced ideas off me. I’m thrilled he’s still playing cricket. His decisions are heartfelt, and I support him 100 percent.’ This mutual respect underscores why their bond remains an inspiration, transcending on-field rivalries and off-field missteps.
As we reflect on this episode, it’s evident that even the strongest friendships in cricket can face trials, but genuine understanding and apologies pave the way for healing. For fans of Kohli and de Villiers, this reconciliation is a reminder of the human side of these superstars—beyond the cover drives and 360-degree shots, it’s their shared values that truly define their legacy. Here’s to hoping their partnership, even if off the field, continues to inspire for years to come.