Virat Kohli is currently playing in IPL 2026 for RCB, where he has 247 runs in 6 games thus far.
On the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards, Novak Djokovic opened up on his bond with the legendary batter, and said that he really admires and respects the 37-year-old and wants to meet him in India.
“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,” Djokovic told Times Now.
“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.
Kohli went Wimbledon last year and watched Djokovic's match against Alex de Minaur. The Serbian won the fourth-round match, and Kohli turned to Instagram to congratulate the former World No.1. Djokovic responded by praising Kohli for his warm remarks.
Djokovic further stated that he values the passion of Indian fans and hopes to visit the country sooner rather than later.
“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.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli is currently on fire for RCB in the ongoing IPL 2026 with 247 runs in six games.