"Just Catching Up on Life": Virat Kohli Opens Up About His UK Break

Perth: After months of speculation and silence, Virat Kohli has finally spoken about why he spent nearly five months away from cricket in London. Speaking to Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist before the first ODI against Australia, the Indian batting legend gave fans a glimpse into what the break meant to him—and it was all about family.

His answer was simple and honest: "Just catching up on life."

The Beautiful Phase

Kohli didn't hold back when talking about the time he spent in the UK with wife Anushka Sharma and their two children, Vamika and Akaay. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 title in May, he flew straight to London and only returned to India days before heading to Australia for this series.

"Yeah, as I was just saying, just catching up on life. You know, I haven't been able to do anything for the last, I don't know how many years," Kohli said with a relaxed smile. "And yeah, just being able to spend some time, some quality time with your kids, with family at home, it's been a beautiful, beautiful phase, and something that I've really enjoyed."

The 36-year-old looked fresh and fit as he spoke. "I am feeling fresh, looking fresh and fit—moving well in nets and fielding sessions," he added, making it clear the break has rejuvenated him both physically and mentally.

Why He Needed the Time Off

Kohli explained that his decision to retire from Tests and T20Is earlier this year was partly driven by the need to reclaim some personal time. When you look at the numbers, it makes complete sense.

"I played the most number of games in international cricket over the last fifteen years," he said. When you add up international cricket across all formats plus the IPL, Kohli has probably played more matches than almost anyone else in world cricket during this period. That's a lot of time away from home and family.

"To be honest, with the amount of cricket I've played over the last 15 to 20 years, I've hardly ever taken a real break," he explained. This extended time off gave him what he never had before—the chance to just be a regular dad and husband.

Life in London

Virat and Anushka have been based in London's Notting Hill neighborhood for much of this year. The couple chose the UK because it offers them something impossible to get in India—privacy and normalcy.

In London, they can take the tube, visit restaurants, and walk around without being constantly mobbed by fans or followed by paparazzi. For someone as famous as Kohli in India, this kind of freedom is priceless.

According to earlier reports, Anushka had told Dr. Sriram Nene (husband of actress Madhuri Dixit) that "they can't enjoy their success" in India and "just want to raise their kids normally." While there's been speculation about whether the move is permanent, neither Kohli nor Anushka has made any official statement.

The Australia Connection

During the interview, Kohli also spoke about why he loves playing in Australia. His answer took us back to his childhood and showed the passion that drives him.

"Well, you know, growing up watching cricket as a kid, when we used to wake up early in the morning and watch daylight cricket in Australia, you'd see the ball flying off the pitch and the opposition in your face," Kohli said.

He remembered watching legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag battling in tough Australian conditions. "And I used to feel like, wow, if I'd be able to step up in these conditions and against this opposition, that'd be something that I could be really proud of as a cricketer."

And he certainly has stepped up. With over 2,400 runs in ODIs against Australia at an average above 54, including eight centuries, Kohli has more than lived up to his childhood dream.

What Lies Ahead

Now refreshed and ready, Kohli is back to do what he does best—score runs for India. The three-match ODI series against Australia, followed by five T20Is, will give fans plenty of chances to see him in action.

Whether this break has extended his career or whether we're watching one of his final tours remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Virat Kohli has found the balance he was looking for, and he's at peace with his choices.