New Delhi, India

India great Virat Kohli recently revealed that he and tennis legend Novak Djokovic have been chatting on Instagram for some time, although they haven't met in person yet. Considered to be two all-time bests in their respective sports, Kohli and Djokovic follow each other on social media platform Instagram. Virat disclosed what happened when he once decided to text Novak.

Advertisment

Speaking on the BCCI.tv, Virat revealed when he clicked on the Messages Icon on Instagram to text Novak, he noticed that the Serbian star had already texted, something that he hadn’t checked earlier.

ALSO READ: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh says Ravi Ashwin 'doesn't deserve place in white-ball team'

“I got in touch with Novak very organically,” Kohli told bcci.tv.

Advertisment

“When I saw his profile on Instagram, I pressed the message button, I thought I would just message him. Then I saw his message already on my DM.”

"I had never opened it. It was the first time I had opened my own messages. And he's messaged me himself. So, first, I thought, let me just check, maybe it's a fake account. Then I checked again, it was legitimate. Then we got talking,” the India great added.

WATCH VIDEO -

Advertisment

×

Virat said Novak had even put an Instagram story, congratulating the India batter for completing his 50th ODI ton during the home World Cup last year. 

Virat added that they both admire each other's work and are proud of what they have achieved and that he follows Novak’s fitness mantra, which helped Kohli stay head and shoulders ahead of everyone in cricket.

"When I got 50th ODI century recently, Novak Djokovic put out a story and sent me a nice message as well, so there is mutual admiration and respect - really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. I have a lot of respect for him and his journey… his passion for fitness is something I dearly follow myself. So, there was a lot to connect on,” Kohli added.

Djokovic praises Kohli

Currently in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the Year – the Australian Open 2024, Novak also expressed his mutual admiration for Virat, saying despite not meeting in person, he connects well with Virat on social media. 

ALSO WATCH - Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane jailed for eight years for rape

×

"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years. We never got the chance to meet in person, but it was an honour and privilege to listen to him speak nicely about me," Djokovic said on Sony Sports. 

"I admire his career and his achievements. I started to play cricket. I'm not very good at it. I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India so that I don't embarrass myself when I am there,” Novak added.

×

Meanwhile, Virat will feature in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Indore on Sunday.