Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to settle in London: ex-coach
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Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is set to move to London with his wife, Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, and their two children, Vamika and Akaay. The news was confirmed by Kohli’s former coach in an Indian media report on Friday.
“Virat plans to relocate to London with his wife and children very soon,” the coach revealed, though he refrained from disclosing further details. The cricket superstar and his family are reportedly gearing up for this major life change while Kohli balances his commitments to cricket.
Over the past couple of years, Kohli has been spotted in London frequently, and their second child, Akaay, was born in the city earlier this year on February 15. The couple already owns property in London, which will likely become their permanent residence following the move.
As one of the most celebrated athletes globally and a beloved figure in Indian cricket, Kohli’s decision to leave India marks a significant transition. While fans may miss seeing him on home soil, this move reflects the family's priorities in building a life together in a new environment.
Kohli and family were in London for the most part this year. After his son's birth, Kohli returned after India won the T20 World Cup in June. Although he returned for the ODI series against Sri Lanka in July, Kohli boarded the flight to the UK and stayed there till August. He returned to India for the start of their home season – two Tests against Bangladesh, followed by three more against New Zealand. After India lost 0-3 to the Kiwis, Kohli and his family have remained in India ever since, celebrating his birthday with his loved ones.
Currently playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli's next big assignment will be the Champions Trophy – the schedule and venues of which have yet to be announced.
Sharma expects many more runs from Kohli's bat despite failing in the last two Tests. After starting the five-Test series against Australia with a brilliant century in Perth, Kohli combined to score just 21 runs in the next three innings. Having said that, Sharma is confident Kohli would set MCG's Boxing Day and Sydney's New Year Test on fire, insisting that his form is not a concern.
"Virat Kohli is playing the best cricket of his career. He also scored a century against Australia in the first Test. I believe two more centuries will come from his bat in the next two matches. This is a player who has always enjoyed his game. When a player enjoys his game, he gives his best. Virat's form is not a matter of concern. This player knows how to bat in difficult situations and make the team win," he said.
With Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, the gaze has reportedly switched to Kohli and fellow senior player Rohit Sharma, who are in the second half of their 30s. A lot has been speculated about whether Kohli can go on until the next ODI World Cup in 2027.
Sharma confidently stated that not only is Kohli nowhere close to retirement, but he is likely to carry on for five more years, which means playing the next World Cup in South Africa.
"Virat is still very fit and not too old to retire. I believe that Virat will play cricket for five more years. Virat will also be seen playing in the 2027 World Cup. The rapport between Virat and me is very good. I have known him well since Virat was not even 10 years old. I have been with him for more than 26 years. That is why I can say that Virat still has a lot of cricket left in him," said Sharma.