Novak Djokovic plans India visit to meet Virat Kohli
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has opened up about his enduring “virtual friendship” with Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, expressing a desire to finally meet the former India captain in person.
Speaking in a video shared by Wimbledon on social media ahead of the 2026 Championships, the 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed the pair have remained in constant contact over the last few years despite never meeting face-to-face.
Djokovic eyes India visit for a personal meeting
Djokovic praised Kohli as the primary reason he began following cricket, a sport he had little interest in before their interaction. It’s a sentiment that speaks volumes about the Indian batter’s global appeal, extending even to athletes at the pinnacle of other sports.
The camaraderie between the two sporting giants has been cultivated through text messages and mutual social media support. Novak Djokovic explained that while they haven’t shared a physical space, they have spent years “following each other, supporting each other, and admiring each other’s careers.” He hopes to change that soon.
The tennis legend is now looking to bridge that gap during a planned visit to India. He even joked about a potential “link-up” that would involve a joint sporting session on both the tennis court and the cricket field. The prospect of seeing two titans from different sporting worlds collaborate on both tennis and cricket fields has certainly captured the imagination of fans globally.
Shared admiration and sporting inspiration
The relationship between the two athletes is rooted in a deep mutual respect for their respective professional journeys. Djokovic was candid about Kohli’s influence on his own sporting interests, something he highlighted in a recent conversation.
“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,” the Serbian said in an earlier interview with RevSportz. This revelation underscores the profound impact Kohli has had beyond the cricket pitch.
Their interaction intensified after Djokovic publicly lauded Kohli’s historic 50th One Day International (ODI) century during the 2023 World Cup semi-finals via an Instagram story. This gesture of support from one global icon to another further solidified their budding friendship.
Kohli, in turn, acknowledged in January 2024 that he took the initiative to connect with Djokovic through an Instagram direct message after encountering the tennis star’s profile. Their shared passion for uncompromising excellence and rigorous fitness protocols has served as a strong foundation for their digital connection.
Wimbledon 2026: Djokovic chases history
Novak Djokovic is currently in London, meticulously preparing for the 2026 edition of the Wimbledon Championships. The Serbian maestro heads into the iconic tournament with monumental achievements within his grasp, eyeing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title.
A victory at Wimbledon would not only grant him his 25th major title, propelling him past Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis history, but it would also see him match Roger Federer’s remarkable record of eight Wimbledon men’s singles trophies.
This relentless pursuit of excellence in tennis mirrors the consistent high performance of Virat Kohli in cricket, who has amassed 85 international centuries across formats. Kohli recently surpassed fellow Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for the most ODI centuries, demonstrating his own enduring legacy in the sport. Such shared drives for success are often what draw elite athletes together, offering a unique bond of understanding and mutual respect.
Djokovic’s focus now turns entirely to his Wimbledon campaign, where he aims to add another chapter to his already storied career. Before this, Djokovic recently met Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the French Open 2026 Day 1 Opener.
Kohli set for international return against England
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is gearing up for his return to international cricket. He recently played a pivotal role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s triumph in the IPL 2026 campaign, where the franchise secured its second successive title. The veteran batter’s strong performance in the Indian Premier League showcased his sustained form and continued impact on the game.
Having previously retired from both Test and T20 International cricket, Kohli now exclusively represents India in the One Day International format. His next assignment is the three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to commence on July 14 at Edgbaston. This series marks an important return to the international stage for the batting sensation.
Kohli’s participation in the upcoming series is contingent on him clearing a fitness test, following a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his return, especially given his record-breaking form in the ODI format. His presence is crucial for the Indian squad as they face a formidable English side.
The prospect of a tennis-cricket crossover
The potential meeting between Novak Djokovic and Virat Kohli in India represents a significant and exciting moment for fans of both sports. Djokovic’s playful mention of a “crossover session,” involving both tennis and cricket, suggests he’s genuinely eager to experience cricket firsthand with one of its greatest practitioners. This type of inter-sport interaction, particularly between global figures, often generates immense public interest and could inspire millions of young athletes.
Kohli has similarly expressed his admiration for Djokovic’s journey and his unwavering passion for fitness and dedication to his craft. Their common ground in these areas makes a personal encounter all the more meaningful, far beyond a simple photo opportunity. Such a meeting could highlight the shared universal principles of elite sportsmanship, discipline, and mental fortitude that transcend individual disciplines.
The handshake, or perhaps a friendly sporting duel, between the pair is a highly anticipated event. Such a meeting would bridge the gap between two of the world’s largest sporting fanbases—tennis aficionados and zealous cricket supporters. The resulting media coverage alone would be substantial, drawing attention to both sports and their respective stars.
Unifying two global sporting communities
As the tennis world watches Djokovic’s attempt at history, the cricket world eagerly awaits Kohli’s return to the crease. The ongoing exchange of respect and mutual support between a legendary tennis player from Serbia and an iconic cricketer from India serves as a powerful testament to the truly global and unifying nature of modern athletics. Their social media interaction has already forged an unlikely, but much celebrated, bond, captivating audiences around the world.
This friendship exemplifies how, in an increasingly interconnected world, athletes from diverse backgrounds and different sports can find common ground through shared values and professional excellence. Their virtual connection has blossomed into a desire for a real-world encounter, captivating the imagination of sports enthusiasts everywhere.
Whether the long-anticipated meeting ultimately occurs on a bustling cricket pitch in Delhi or a pristine tennis court in Mumbai, the union of these two unparalleled sporting icons remains a major talking point in the 2026 sporting calendar. It promises not just a personal highlight for Djokovic and Kohli, but a moment of cross-cultural and cross-sport celebration for fans worldwide.