Virat Kohli's brother refutes rumors of mother's poor health, urges media to verify information

India's star cricketer Virat Kohli recently withdrew from the national squad for two Tests against England, citing personal reasons. Amid speculation about his absence being related to his mother Saroj Kohli's health, Virat's brother Vikas Kohli took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 31, to dismiss these rumors.

Vikas expressed frustration with the spread of fake news and clarified that their mother is in good health. Virat Kohli's decision to step away from the Hyderabad and Vizag Tests was shrouded in mystery, but Vikas Kohli's statement aimed to quash any misinformation surrounding their family.

Virat Kohli's absence from the ongoing five-match series against England stirred rumors about a potential family emergency, specifically concerning his mother's health. However, Vikas Kohli, in an Instagram story, refuted these claims, condemning the circulation of false information.

He requested both the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified news. Vikas stated, "Hello everyone. I have noticed that there is this fake news about our mom's health been circulating around. Let me clear that our mom is absolutely fit and fine. Also, I would request everyone and also the media not to spread such news without proper information. Thanks everyone for your concern."

Virat Kohli had previously withdrawn from the T20I against Afghanistan this month, citing personal reasons. The 35-year-old cricketer, who practiced with the India squad ahead of the Hyderabad Test, later left for Ayodhya to attend Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. Kohli informed the BCCI selectors and Team India skipper Rohit Sharma about his decision to rule himself out of the initial two games of the Test series against England. While his return to action is expected in the third Test in Rajkot, starting on February 15, the nature of his personal reasons remains undisclosed.