'We keep in touch': Novak Djokovic on his bond with Virat Kohli, love for India and cricket
(Courtesy : @djokernole/@virat.kohli/Instagram)
Despite playing different sports, Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic have formed a close friendship.
While they are yet to meet in person, Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli have often spoken about their friendship and the deep connection they share. Legends of their respective sports, Djokovic and Kohli’s friendship reportedly started via exchange of messages on Instagram.
Since then, the duo has congratulated each other on their respective milestones, including Djokovic congratulating Kohli on his record 50th ODI century.
The Serbian has now gone a step further and credited Kohli for drawing him to cricket.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, was recently asked about the Indian cricket legend and their friendship to which he responded — “Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire.
“He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I hadn’t followed it before, but through him, I started following it more,” Djokovic told Times Now on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 which he hosted alongside Skiing Eileen Gu.
The 38-year-old also added that he and Kohli remain in touch and hoped to finally meet if and when he travels to India, even going on to explain that perhaps they could collab and play a little bit of tennis and cricket and spread some positvity.
“We keep in touch, and hopefully, when I come, I don’t want to say if, but when I come to India, hopefully he can join me,” said Djokovic. “We could do a little bit of tennis and a little bit of cricket, have fun, and just spread positive, good vibes while celebrating sport.”
Novak Djokovic’s message for Indian fans
A five-time recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, Djokovic further emphasised that he wants to visit the country soon and also expressed his gratitude for the support from the Indian tennis fans.
“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,” said the Serbian.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Laureus Awards night was also special for the tennis universe with Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka bagging the top honours respectively in their categories.
Who inspired Djokovic to follow cricket?
Virat Kohli inspired him to take interest in cricket.
What did Novak Djokovic say about Virat Kohli?
Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I hadn’t followed it before, but through him, I started following it more. We keep in touch, and hopefully, when I come, I don’t want to say if, but when I come to India, hopefully he can join me. We could do a little bit of tennis and a little bit of cricket, have fun, and just spread positive, good vibes while celebrating sport.
When will Novak Djokovic visit India?
While Djokovic has not given any fixed time and date, he has specified that He has been ‘feeling a calling to visit India for the last couple of years.’
Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.