Virat Kohli’s Brother Vikas Slams ‘Fake News’ on Couple’s Reported Move to London

In a pointed rebuke against circulating rumours, Vikas Kohli, brother of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, issued a stern warning on social media Saturday, dismissing reports of the star batter's alleged permanent relocation to London with wife Anushka Sharma and their children. The Instagram post, shared amid a flurry of unverified claims, highlighted the growing prevalence of misinformation in the digital age.

"I am not surprised about so much misinformation and fake news going around these days.... Some people are so free and have lots of time to do so... Good luck to you guys," Vikas wrote, offering no further elaboration but effectively casting doubt on the speculation that has gripped cricket enthusiasts and media outlets alike. This development comes as Virat Kohli prepares for a crucial ODI series against Australia, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his high-profile career trajectory.

The rumours, which surfaced earlier this week, stem from unconfirmed media reports suggesting that the 36-year-old former India captain has transferred the general power of attorney for his Rs 80 crore Gurugram residence to Vikas, signalling a potential shift in family base to the United Kingdom. Proponents of the story pointed to the couple's frequent sightings in London, where Anushka has pursued acting projects and the family has spent considerable time post the birth of their second child in 2024.

However, Vikas's cryptic message appears to quash these narratives, underscoring the challenges public figures face in combating baseless stories amplified by social media and tabloid journalism. Neither Virat nor Anushka has publicly addressed the claims, maintaining their focus on professional commitments. This incident echoes broader concerns in Indian cricket circles about privacy invasions, especially for celebrities like the Kohlis, whose every move is scrutinised under the lens of national fandom.

Shifting focus to the pitch, Australian opener Travis Head expressed optimism about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's continued involvement in ODIs, predicting they will play through to the 2027 World Cup despite whispers of retirement. Speaking ahead of the three-match series opener in Perth on Sunday, Head lauded the duo's unparalleled contributions to white-ball cricket. "They have been awesome for India... Virat is probably the greatest white-ball player. Rohit is not that far behind," Head remarked, flanked by India's Axar Patel, who visibly agreed with a smile.

The series marks a transitional phase for India, with young opener Shubman Gill elevated to ODI captaincy by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), relieving Rohit of leadership duties. Many interpret this as a poignant farewell gesture for the veterans on foreign soil, given their pivotal roles in the 2023 ODI World Cup final run.

Also Read: BCCI Confirms: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Nowhere Near Retirement Yet

As the India-Australia rivalry reignites, Head's endorsement serves as a timely reminder of Kohli and Sharma's enduring legacy, with over 25,000 combined ODI runs between them. The tour, starting in the heat of Western Australia, could well define the twilight of their careers, blending speculation with on-field excellence. For Vikas's part, his intervention not only safeguards family privacy but also amplifies calls for media accountability in an era where fake news proliferates unchecked. With the cricketing world watching, Kohli's response—on or off the field—remains eagerly anticipated, as fans hope for clarity amid the noise.

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