South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has provided an update on good friend Virat Kohli after he was absent for India's Test series against England.
The 35-year-old superstar decided to step away from international duties before the first Test match but remained absent for the second Test, which saw India draw the series 1-1 against England.
This isn't the first time Kohli has stepped away from international cricket for a significant period of time, as he flew home to witness the birth of his first child with his wife in 2021 - mid-way through India's tour of Australia.
He will likely make his return sooner than expected, as he played against South Africa in a Test series and Cricket World Cup last year.
The batsman has scored nearly 9000 international red-ball runs and made 29 centuries to date in the format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers provided an update on Virat Kohli in a recent Q&A episode.
"All I know is, he is fine," de Villiers said.
"He is spending a bit of time with his family, that is the reason he is missing the first two Test matches. I am not going to confirm anything else.
"I wrote to him 'Been wanting to check in with you for a while now. How are you?'. He said 'Just need to be with my family right now. I am doing well'.
"His second child is on the way. Yes, it's family time and things are important to him.
"If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for — what are we doing on Earth, what are we here for.
"I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that. We miss him ... but he has made absolutely the right decision.
There is still a possibility that Virat Kohli could return for the final three games against England to round out the series.
