In a delightful revelation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli shared the heartwarming story of how his friendship with tennis icon Novak Djokovic began with a casual “hello” via Instagram. Kohli disclosed the organic nature of their connection and expressed excitement about playing together.
Djokovic Responds With Gratitude
Responding to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) video post featuring Kohli’s narrative, Novak Djokovic expressed gratitude for the Indian cricket legend’s “kind words.” Djokovic conveyed his anticipation for the day when they could share the field together, possibly transcending their respective sports. While maintaining his focus on the Australian Open, where Djokovic aims for his 11th title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy, the Serbian tennis maestro took a moment to acknowledge Kohli’s sentiments. The mutual admiration between the two sports icons adds an intriguing layer to their evolving friendship.
Kohli narrated how he stumbled upon Djokovic’s Instagram profile and decided to initiate contact with a simple greeting. To his surprise, Djokovic had already messaged him, laying the foundation for their friendship. The Indian cricket sensation appreciated Djokovic’s achievements and celebrated their mutual respect. Highlighting the cross-sport camaraderie, Djokovic had previously congratulated Kohli on his 50th ODI century through an Instagram story. Kohli reciprocated the admiration, expressing a desire to catch up with Djokovic whenever their paths cross, emphasizing the genuine bond beyond the digital exchanges.
Future Meet-Up Plans
With Djokovic revealing that they have been texting for a few years, Kohli expressed his hope to meet the tennis star in person. The Indian skipper hinted at a casual meet-up over coffee, envisioning an opportunity to spend quality time when Djokovic visits India or if their paths intersect during Kohli’s travels. The camaraderie between Djokovic and cricket luminaries extends beyond words, as Djokovic was recently seen playing cricket on the court with former Australia captain Steve Smith. This delightful intersection of sports showcases the global appeal of these iconic athletes, transcending their individual disciplines.
While Djokovic’s only visit to India dates back to 2014 for the International Tennis Premier League, the ongoing exchange of messages and mutual admiration exemplify how sports can foster friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. The prospect of seeing Djokovic and Kohli share the field adds an exciting dimension to their evolving camaraderie.
