IND vs AFG: Virat Kohli Reveals How He And Novak Djokovic Bgan Talking To Each Other On Social Media

Ace Indian batter Virat Kohli shared his first reaction after receiving a direct message (DM) from tennis legend Novak Djokovic on the social media platform Instagram. Virat Kohli said that he verified the legitimacy to ensure it wasn’t a fake account of Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he has been in contact with Virat Kohli through text messages for several years. He said that they haven’t had the opportunity to meet face-to-face. The Serbian star also praised Kohli for his remarkable achievements in cricket.

Got In Touch With Novak Djokovic Very Organically – Virat Kohli

In a video shared by BCCI on X, Virat Kohli shared the story of how he and Novak Djokovic began interacting online, describing the interaction as organic. Kohli mentioned that he opened Djokovic’s Instagram profile and decided to say hello.

“I got in touch with Novak very organically. I think I was just looking at his profile once Instagram and I just happened to press the message button. I thought I’ll just say hello maybe. And then, I saw a message from him on my DM already. I never opened it myself,” Virat said.

“First time I saw my own messages, I saw he’s messaged me himself. And I was like, let me just check if it’s a fake account or something like that. But then, I checked it again and it was legitimate and we got talking. We keep exchanging messages every now and then. I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements,” he added.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Virat Kohli 🤝 Novak Djokovic

Two 🐐 🐐, one special bond 💙

Virat Kohli shares the story about his newest “text buddy” 👌👌 – By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | @imVkohli | @DjokerNole | @AustralianOpen

𝙋.𝙎. – “Hey Novak 👋 – Good luck at AO” pic.twitter.com/PEPQnydwJB

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2024

Djokovic participated in a charity event, engaging in a tennis match with Australian batter Steve Smith. The two athletes showcased their skills in both tennis and cricket during the event. Djokovic played an impressive shot off Smith’s bowling on a makeshift pitch.

I Have A Lot Of Respect For Novak Djokovic – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli recalled that Novak Djokovic sent him a congratulatory message after he scored his 50th ODI ton during the 2023 World Cup. The former Indian skipper stated that the two share great mutual admiration.

“When I got my 50th [ODI] century recently, he put out a story and he sent me a very nice message as well. There’s been a mutual admiration, and respect and really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a higher level. Collectively, what I think about it is it’s sending out a message of inspiration to the next generation in a way.”

“I have a lot of respect for him, his journey, his passion for fitness, something that I follow myself and believe in a lot. So, there’s lot to connect on,” Kohli added.

Novak Djokovic expressed his desire to explore India’s rich history. It is worth mentioning that the Serbian Tennis Star visited the country only once during an exhibition event in New Delhi in December 2014.

Kohli missed the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series opener against Afghanistan due to personal reasons. The 35-year-old is set to return to the T20I squad in the second T20I on January 14 in Indore.

Also read: IND vs AFG: “Virat Kohli Does That In The Powerplay” – Aakash Chopra Feels Batter Should Open In T20Is