Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma decide to leave India

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, have planned to relocate permanently to London with their two children, Vaamika and Akaay, local media said on Saturday.

India media citing sources close to the couple said they desire a peaceful life away from the intense media scrutiny and fan attention in their country.

"They seek a quiet environment where they can move freely without being recognised," the media added.

The family was spotted leaving Mumbai on Thursday after attending the Victory Parade, following India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados.

Kohli recently announced his retirement from the T20 format, but will continue playing Tests and ODIs. 

The couple has been contemplating a move to London since the birth of their second child, Akaay, sources said.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have a special connection with London, having spent considerable time there before Akaay's birth. 

The celebrity duo even considered giving birth to their second child in London and spent two months in the city before returning to India for the T20 World Cup and IPL.

Indian media reported that Virat and Anushka will now settle permanently in the UK, where they plan to purchase a luxury home. 

Earlier in an interview, Kohli expressed his fondness for living in Europe, saying "no one recognise him there and he lives freely".