I saw his message already on my DM’, says Virat on Djokovic being his text buddy

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Indore, Jan 14 (IANS) Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli revealed that star tennis player Novak Djokovic had previously sent him a message via social media platform Instagram, which initiated the start of a text-based friendship between two stalwarts of their respective sports.

“I got in touch with Novak very organically. When I saw his profile on Instagram, I pressed the message button, I thought I would just message him. Then I saw his message already on my DM. I had never opened it. It was the first time I had opened my own messages. And he's messaged me himself.”

“So first I thought let me just check, maybe it's a fake account. Then I checked again, it was legitimate. Then we got talking. We keep exchanging messages every now and then. I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements," said Kohli in a video on bcci.tv.

He also revealed about getting a message from Djokovic after hitting his 50th ODI century in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai. "When I got 50th ODI century recently, Novak Djokovic put out a story, and sent me a nice message as well so there is mutual admiration and respect."

"Really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. I have a lot of respect for him and his journey. His passion for fitness is something I dearly follow myself. So there was a lot to connect on.

"Hopefully If he comes to India sooner, 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," added Kohli.

The veteran right-handed batter also said he saw the video of Djokovic and premier Australia batter Steve Smith trying to play cricket at a promotional event ahead of the Australian Open.