From 'why London?' to supportive cheers: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's decision to move abroad divides fans
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, fondly called "Virushka," plan to relocate to London with their two children. The move, revealed by Kohli's coach, has sparked heated online debates, with fans divided over privacy and patriotism concerns.
Just a day before, news surfaced about Virat Kohli lashing out at journalists upon his arrival in Melbourne for the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Why, you may ask? It was because Kohli did not want cameras pointed at his family and children.
While for the common man, this reaction may seem arrogant or even unnecessary. However, in today's world¡ªdominated by social media and AI¡ªKohli appears to understand the implications of technology and how even children are not safe from the dangers lurking online.
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has been involved in a fiery confrontation at Melbourne Airport. @theodrop has the details. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb #AUSvIND #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/uXqGzmMAJi
¡ª 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 19, 2024
So, when news broke on the same day that Kohli is planning to leave India and settle with his family in London, why did it come as a shock to many?
Is Virat Kohli shifting to London?
According to Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, the family¡ªKohli, along with his actor wife Anushka Sharma and their two children¡ªVamika and Akaay¡ªis reportedly planning to relocate to London.
"Virat apne baccho aur patni Anushka Sharma ke sath London mein shift hone ki yojna bana rahe hain. Vo bahut jald hi Bharat chor kar waha basne wale hai (Virat, with his children and wife Anushka Sharma, is planning to shift to London. He will soon leave India and settle there)," Rajkumar revealed in an interview with Dainik Jagran published on Thursday.
Netizens react:
This news left netizens divided. Many praised the decision, saying it would give Virat and his family the privacy they need¡ªsomething they can't easily find in India. However, some questioned the choice of London, pointing out that it also has a large Indian population including that of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis - who also love cricket.
Others went as far as to call him selfish, arguing that he earned his living from India and now wants to shift abroad, with some saying he should also give up the Indian jersey. These discussions unfolded on X (formerly known as Twitter), where users debated heatedly. Meanwhile, the cricketer himself has yet to respond.
Indians often invade celebrities' privacy, surrounding them wherever they go, making their lives, and even their children's lives, far from normal. In London, where they¡¯re less recognized, their kids can enjoy a regular upbringing. This might be why Virat Kohli is moving there. https://t.co/AskFGsrcM7
¡ª Rajat Dhull (@DhullSaab_ji) December 20, 2024
Because of Indians honestly. He wants to live a normal life where people will not chase him every time he goes out.
¡ª Robby (@robbymeranam) December 19, 2024
W decision by Kohli to shift to London. They can get the privacy they want. No paparazzi, cameraman and people to invade privacy specially for his children. All the best @imVkohli #ViratKohli #AUSvIND #INDvsAUS #London pic.twitter.com/qoMBv95aVg
¡ª ??????? ??? (@vking_18fc) December 19, 2024
Ridiculous how people troll Kohli for living in London. At least now he can go around for a walk with his wife without getting crowded by a 1000 people asking for selfies. The people of this country don't give a fu*k about your privacy.
¡ª Sleep (@mMick_ouss) November 3, 2024
Fake article .... Rajkumaar Sharma jee denied the media reports claiming that Virat kohli and Anushka will leave india ?? and shift to London is totally wrong ?
¡ª kingkohli forever (@Ayushsingh1882) December 19, 2024
He doesn't said anything like that #ViratKohli? #AnushkaSharma ?
I completely understand and respect Virat Kohli¡¯s decision to settle abroad, but I¡¯m not convinced it has to be London.
¡ª Sann (@san_x_m) December 19, 2024
With all the money and fame he has, he could settle anywhere. London shouldn¡¯t even be on the list, as it has already fallen prey to radical extremism. pic.twitter.com/x5YEw6RIi9
What an idiotic decision. Earn here and settling in UK. Shame. Virat Kohli 'leaving India'; cricketer to move to London with Anushka Sharma, kids Vamika, Akaay soon, confirms ex-coach https://t.co/5gYGfsGPa8 via @HTSportsNews
¡ª Parameshwaran (@Parames23165151) December 19, 2024
About Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli, born and raised in Delhi, relocated to Mumbai several years ago. He married actor Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Italy in December 2017. Affectionately known as "Virushka," the couple welcomed their first child, Vamika, in January 2021. Earlier this year, Kohli skipped the five-match Test series against England to be there for the birth of their second child, Akaay, born on February 15, 2024, in London.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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