Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to tie the knot in 2016?

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Rumours about Anushka Sharma tying the knot with her cricketer-beau Virat Kohli surfaced at least twice last year, but reliable sources tell us that they are looking at early next year to exchange wedding vows. The lovebirds were spotted at a suburban restaurant last weekend with Anushka's father in tow, apparently after an extensive house hunt. On Monday night, Virat was seen leaving the actress' Versova home in a white Mercedes.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Pic/AFP

A source says, "Virat has been frequently meeting Anushka's family, which indicates that the couple is serious about taking the relationship to the next level. He gets along well with her father."

In October last year, Virat's family had made a casual visit to Anushka's suburban penthouse, sparking rumours of an impending wedding. In fact, two months prior to that, buzz about the couple tying the knot did the rounds when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowed Anushka to stay with Virat in the same hotel during India's tour of England, stating that it was only a matter of time before the duo ties the nuptial knot. Her representative later rubbished reports about the rumoured wedding.

Anushka's spokesperson denies the buzz, saying, "There is no truth to the stories/rumours about Anushka Sharma's impending wedding. Currently, she is busy and happy with her work commitments. She has always been open about her life and would appreciate it and request everyone to wait for her to make announcements about her life instead of speculating."

A source close to the actress, however, says: "Anushka and Virat have been open about their relationship because they are sure about taking it to the marriage altar. Their families will meet soon and decide the wedding date. In all likelihood, they will get hitched early next year."