Will Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s son Akaay be a British citizen? Here’s the answer

Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma recently welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Akaay. The couple confirmed the news on social media, with Anushka sharing that Akaay was born on February 15 in a hospital in London. This has led to speculation amongst enthusiasts whether Akaay will be a British citizen or an Indian citizen.

According to the rules, the UK does not automatically consider a child born in the country as a British citizen. They can only become a British citizen if one of their parents is a British citizen or has obtained settled status after living there for a long time. Similarly, if a child is born outside the UK to British citizen parents, they can be a British citizen, depending on how the child’s parents acquired British citizenship.

In the case of Akaay, even though his parents have bought a house in London, he cannot become a British citizen. However, the UK will issue his passport, but he will remain an Indian citizen.

There are two ways for a child to acquire British citizenship: by birth or by registration. A child born outside the UK to a British parent may become a British citizen by descent, based on the parent’s acquisition of British citizenship. If an unmarried British or settled father and a non-British or non-settled mother had a child before 1 July 2006, the child does not automatically acquire British citizenship at birth. However, they are eligible to register for British citizenship.

If a child does not automatically receive British citizenship by birth, they can apply for registration as a British citizen with the Home Office. A child is eligible for registration as a British citizen under certain conditions, such as if they were born in the UK and one of their parents becomes a British citizen or obtains settled status before the child reaches 18.

In 2021, Kohli became a father for the first time when his daughter Vamika was born. He took a leave from the Test series against Australia, and in his absence, Ajinkya Rahane led India to a 2-1 victory in the series.

Kohli recently withdrew from the first two Tests against England citing ‘personal reasons,’ leading to Rajat Patidar taking his place in the squad. He also has pulled out of the entire Test series against England. Kohli is anticipated to make a comeback in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

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