Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has opened up about his special bond with Virat Kohli and said that he has been in constant touch with India’s star batter through text messages.

Djokovic, who is yet to meet Kohli in person, also acknowledged the latter’s stellar cricketing career and expressed gratitude for the kind words shared between them.

"Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person. But it was really a privilege and honour to listen to him speak nicely about me and I obviously admire his career and achievement and everything he has done," Djokovic said while speaking to Sony Sports.

Djokovic recalled his previous visit to India, which happened 10 years ago, and expressed his desire to visit the country again soon.

"I have been to India only once so far in my life. It was, I think, 10 or 11 years ago. I came to play an exhibition event in New Delhi for two days. It was a very short stay. So, I really hope that I will be able to come back in the near future, too, because I have a great desire, great wish to explore your beautiful country that has so much history, so much culture to offer to the world and spirituality as well. It's amazing," he added.

Novak is due to face Croatian Dino Prizmic in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday (January 14).

On the other hand, Kohli is set to make his comeback to the shortest format for India during the second T20I against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday. He missed the series opener in Mohali due to personal reasons.

(With ANI inputs)