In a candid revelation, South African legend AB de Villiers has shared that his close friendship with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli hit a rough patch after a sensitive personal moment was unintentionally exposed. Speaking in an interview with Cricket.com, de Villiers confirmed that Kohli stopped speaking to him for several months after he inadvertently revealed the couple's closely guarded secret Anushka Sharma’s second pregnancy during a YouTube live session in February 2024.

The news, which Kohli and Anushka had intentionally kept private, became public much earlier than planned due to AB’s slip-up. “Thank goodness he started speaking to me again,” said de Villiers, describing the relief he felt when the communication resumed. Kohli reached out during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, as he was navigating a challenging phase in his career and sought advice from the former South Africa captain.

De Villiers elaborated on the personal struggles Kohli was facing career pressure, the mental toll of playing at the highest level for over a decade, and the changing dynamics within the team. "He sort of wanted to bounce a few ideas off me how I got through certain moments of my life," AB explained. The two cricketers, known for their strong on-field partnership and off-field friendship, finally reconnected during this period.

De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, offered heartfelt support to Kohli and praised his strength and resilience. He also voiced his backing for Kohli’s decision to step away from Test cricket, calling it a move that must have come “from the heart.”

“Hopefully, there’s a lot more white-ball cricket left in him,” AB concluded, emphasizing his unwavering support for Kohli’s remaining journey in international cricket. The emotional depth of their story reveals not just the pressure of life in the spotlight but also the bonds that endure through misunderstandings and personal trials.