In a warm revelation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli shed light on the origins of his digital camaraderie with tennis maestro Novak Djokovic.
The connection, Kohli disclosed, was sparked by a casual “Hello” initiated through a message on a photo/video sharing website, leading to a heartwarming exchange of mutual admiration between the sporting legends.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video featuring Kohli, where the cricketer narrated the story of his friendship with Djokovic, on January 14.
In response to the video, Djokovic expressed gratitude for Kohli’s “kind words” through a comment on the BCCI’s post.
“Thank you for these kind words @imVkohli. Looking forward to the day we play together,” Djokovic remarked in his response.
Currently eyeing his 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy, Djokovic conveyed his appreciation for the unexpected friendship that has developed through digital exchanges.
Kohli, ahead of his T20 comeback against Afghanistan at Indore on Sunday, narrated the organic beginning of their interaction.
“I got in touch with Novak very organically,” Kohli shared, “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.”
Recalling the initial exchange, Kohli expressed the surprise of finding a message from Djokovic in his Direct Messages (DM), prompting a brief check for authenticity.
The two athletes soon engaged in a conversation, exchanging messages and congratulations for their respective achievements.
Mutual admiration was evident in Djokovic’s congratulatory message to Kohli for his 50th ODI century, shared via a social networking website story.
Kohli reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the mutual respect that has developed between them.
“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,” Kohli added.
Djokovic’s lone visit to India occurred in 2014 during the now-defunct International Tennis Premier League. Kohli’s revelation about their digital friendship came shortly after Djokovic referred to them as “text buddies” in an interview with the Sony Sports Network.
