It is no secret that Virat Kohli is the most popular cricketer in the world. On Instagram, Virat Kohli is the most followed Asian person and the third most followed sportsperson, only behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Virat Kohli’s superstardom has led the world to take note of both his abilities and the game itself. His list of admirers in the international sporting arena includes eminent names like David Beckham and Harry Kane. Recently, tennis star Novak Djokovic joined this list of admirers.
‘Virat Kohli is a friend and someone I respect and admire’ – Novak Djokovic
Speaking at the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards on Tuesday, the Serbian said, “Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. Excuse me. He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I haven’t followed it. So through him, I started following it more.”
“And, you know, we keep in touch. And hopefully when I come, I don’t want to say if, when I come to India, hopefully he can join, and then we could do a little bit of tennis, a little bit of cricket, and have fun and just spread, you know, positive, good vibes with people and celebrate sport,” he added.
If that does come to fruition, it wouldn’t be the first time Djokovic has traded tennis serves or cricket shots with a cricketer. During the Australian Open in 2024, Djokovic played both tennis and cricket with Steve Smith at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
“Message for India” – Novak Djokovic
Djokovic also left a message for India and the Indian fans who have supported him throughout his career. Djokovic also said that he would like to visit the country very soon.
“My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for, first of all, all the support over the years that I personally have been receiving from all the Indian tennis fans and Indian sports fans around the world. There are so many that I’ve been meeting all this time. And my message would also be ‘See you very soon in India because I need to go to India. I’ve been feeling a calling to come for the last couple of years,” said Djokovic.
“So I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India and do an event, play a match, or whatever it is. I really wish for that because I feel very close to Indian people,” he added.
Virat Kohli is currently in action, and Djokovic was last seen in March
On the field, Djokovic was last seen at the Indian Wells Open in the United States in March. At that tournament, he suffered a fourth-round exit in the singles tournament and a second-round exit in doubles.
Kohli, though, is currently in action in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB are currently second on the points table with 4 wins in 6 matches. Their next match will be against the Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru on Friday, April 24. That match will be the last group stage game of IPL 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the Garden City. RCB will play their other two home matches in Raipur.
