“Thank you for these kind words @imVkohli. Looking forward to the day we play together,” wrote Djokovic, who is currently vying for his 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy.
On Sunday, the BCCI shared a video featuring Kohli where the batting legend made the story of his friendship with Djokovic public.
“I got in touch with Novak very organically, I was just looking at his profile once on Instagram and I just happened to press the message button. I thought I’ll just say hello, maybe,” Kohli said ahead of his T20 comeback against Afghanistan at Indore.
“And then I saw a message from him on my DM already. I never opened it myself. So, first time I saw my own messages myself, I saw, he 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 then, yeah, we got talking. We keep exchanging messages every now and then. I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements.”
Djokovic had also congratulated Kohli on his 50th ODI century by posting an Instagram story.
“When I got my 50th century recently, he put out a story and he sent me a very nice message as well. So, there’s been a mutual admiration, respect,” said Kohli.
“Hopefully If he comes to India sooner or I happen to be in a country where he is playing, I will definitely catch up with him and just chill out and maybe have a cup of coffee.”
Djokovic’s only visit to India came in 2014 when he visited New Delhi for the now defunct International Tennis Premier League.
Kohli’s message for Djokovic came hours after the 36-year-old tennis told the Sony Sports Network that they both are “text buddies”.
“Virat Kohli and I have been texting a bit for a few years. We never got a chance to meet in person, but it was really an honour and a privilege to hear him speak nicely about me,” Djokovic had said.
Ahead of the Australian Open, Djokovic was seen playing cricket on court with former Australia captain Steve Smith.
(With PTI inputs)