‘Checked If It Was a Fake Account’: Kohli Recalls Getting Surprised by Djokovic’s First-ever Text Message | WATCH

Ace Indian batter Virat Kohli has responded to what tennis legend Novak Djokovic spoke about him ahead of the forthcoming season of the Australia Open. The Serbian tennis sensation said he has been communicating with the Indian cricketer via text messages for quite some time now and wishes to meet him in person. Reacting to Djokovic’s words, Kohli recollected his first-ever conversation with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Speaking on BCCI.tv, Kohli recalled sending a message to Djokovic and the latter’s reply had taken him by surprise.

“I got in touch with Novak very organically. I was looking at his profile once on Instagram and I just pressed the message button. I thought I’d just say hello maybe. And then I saw a message from him on my DM already,” Kohli said.

“For the first time, I saw my own messages myself. He had messaged me himself and I was like let me just check if it’s a fake account. 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,” he added.

Kohli further acknowledged Djokovic’s social media post congratulating him on his 50^th ODI hundred. The Indian batter went past legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for 49 centuries in the 50-over format in the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final, against New Zealand.

“When I got my 50th century recently, he put out a story and sent me a very nice message as well. So there’s been a mutual admiration and respect and really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level,” he added.

Wishing to meet Djokovic soon

Kohli expressed his wish to meet Djokovic soon, either in India or in some other country.

“I have a lot of respect for him, his journey.  His passion for fitness is something that I dearly follow myself and believe in a lot. So there’s a lot to connect on and hopefully, if he comes to India sooner or I happen to be in a country where he’s playing, I’ll definitely catch up with him and just chill out and maybe have a cup of coffee,” Kohli further said.

Djokovic reveals his bonding with Kohli

The 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed that he has been in regular touch with Kohli.

“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. I obviously admire all of his career and achievements. I started to play cricket, but I’m not very good at it. But I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I come to India, and don’t embarrass myself when I’m there,” Djokovic said in a video uploaded by Sony Sports Network.