Virat Kohli's Absence at Lord's Raises Eyebrows During India vs England Test
Star-Studded Attendance at Lord's
As India faces England in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, the excitement surrounding the match extends beyond just cricket. The stands are filled with notable figures, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Australian fast bowling great Brett Lee, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, one notable absence has left fans speculating: Virat Kohli.
Kohli's Low-Key Lifestyle
Despite being in London, Kohli was not present at Lord's. The former Indian captain, who stepped back from Test cricket earlier this year, has chosen to skip the match. His recent appearances at Wimbledon and a charity event hosted by his close friend Yuvraj Singh had sparked hopes among fans that he might surprise everyone with a visit to the 'Home of Cricket.' Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed.
Commentary on Kohli's Absence
During a live broadcast, commentator Dinesh Karthik addressed the situation. When asked by fellow commentator Michael Atherton if Kohli might show up during the game, Karthik humorously noted, "He lives just close to Lord's, but I don’t think he’ll drop in – he’s got daddy commitments to attend to."
Family Comes First for Kohli
Kohli resides on St. John's Wood Road, the same street as Lord's, making his absence even more noticeable. The 36-year-old seems to be embracing a quieter phase in his life, focusing on family. With his daughter Vamika and newborn son Akaay at home, Kohli appears to be enjoying his time as a father.
Future Plans for Kohli
Since retiring from Test cricket, Kohli has opted for a more private life in London, even turning down an opportunity to play county cricket for Middlesex. Although he congratulated the Indian team on social media after their victory at Edgbaston and acknowledged captain Shubman Gill, he has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see Kohli back in action, as he is expected to participate in India's ODI matches, potentially during the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in August. For now, he seems content to watch the game from a distance while cherishing time with his young family.