Virat Kohli’s family not to attend semifinal

Mumbai: The family of Virat Kohli, the man making headlines for his superb performance in the recent ICC World Twenty20 match against Australia (Mohali), is not travelling to Mumbai for Team India's semifinal against West Indies on Thursday. This was revealed by the brother of India's top order batsman.

Speaking exclusively to Deccan Chronicle, Kohli's brother, Vikas, said: “I am not arriving there. None of our family members (mother Saroj, sister Bhavna) will be at the Wankhede Stadium.”

"Kohli has support of all people of this country and as long as team does well, people will support the entire team,” added Vikas.

On the other hand, Raj Kumar Sharma – Kohli’s childhood coach – is likely to attend the match.

"Kohli invites me to watch all his matches. I missed his Mohali game but may be arriving there,” he said.

Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's parents and other family members (barring wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva) will watch India's match on TV.

"When we don't go to the stadium but watch important matches on television at home, India wins", Dhoni's brother, Narendra, said.

"By watching matches on television, we get ample opportunities to see the replays,” he adds.

"Our parents (father Pan Singh and mother Devki Devi) only go when there is a match at the Ranchi Stadium,” added Narendra, who is 10 years elder to the skipper.