AB de Villiers has recently hinted at a period of being "ghosted" by Virat Kohli following a misjudgment on de Villiers' part regarding Kohli's personal life. The incident stems from February 2024, when de Villiers publicly commented on the speculated pregnancy of Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, before the couple had officially made an announcement.

De Villiers' comments came during a time when Kohli had taken a break from cricket, citing personal reasons. This led to speculation and rumors, with de Villiers adding fuel to the fire by confirming that Kohli and Sharma were expecting their second child. However, he later retracted his statement and issued a public apology, stating that he had shared false information and made a "terrible mistake." He emphasized the importance of respecting Kohli and his family's privacy.

The couple subsequently announced the birth of their son, Akaay, on February 15, 2024.

In a recent discussion, de Villiers alluded to a period of silence from Kohli after the incident. While not explicitly stating that Kohli was angry, de Villiers implied that their communication was affected. He expressed relief that their friendship had seemingly returned to normal, stating, "Thank goodness! I had a footfall..." This comment suggests that de Villiers was concerned about the impact of his blunder on their relationship and was relieved to have re-established contact.

The friendship between AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli is well-documented. They played together for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for many years, forging a strong bond both on and off the field. They have often spoken about their mutual respect and admiration for each other.

Their camaraderie goes beyond the cricket field. In October 2024, Kohli penned a heartfelt letter congratulating de Villiers on his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, calling him the "most talented" teammate. Kohli acknowledged de Villiers' unique approach to the game and his unwavering belief in his abilities. De Villiers has similarly expressed fondness for Kohli, once referring to him as a "cricketing brother." He admitted that he initially disliked Kohli due to his fierce competitiveness but grew to appreciate him after becoming teammates at RCB.

Despite the "pregnancy" blunder and the subsequent period of apparent silence, it seems that their friendship has endured. The two were seen sharing a warm hug ahead of the IPL 2025 final, indicating that their bond remains strong. This public display of affection suggests that they have moved past the incident and that their friendship has overcome the challenges. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even with close friends.