The cross-sport friendship between tennis icon Novak Djokovic and cricket legend Virat Kohli took center stage today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed that the Indian batter is his primary gateway to the world of cricket.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards—where he was hosting alongside skiing star Eileen Gu—Djokovic opened up about a digital bond that has evolved into a deep mutual respect.
The “Kohli Effect” on Djokovic
Despite their different sporting worlds, Djokovic credited Kohli for his newfound interest in the game. He shared his admiration for the former Indian captain in an interview with Times Now:
“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. 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.”
A “Calling” to Visit India
Djokovic, who has long been supported by a massive Indian fanbase, noted that he has been feeling a deep connection to the country for several years. He hinted at a future visit that could involve a tennis-cricket crossover event:
“My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for all the support I have personally been receiving from Indian tennis and sports fans around the world over the years. I’ve met so many of them during this time. My message would also be: ‘See you very soon in India,’ because I need to go there. I’ve been feeling a calling to visit for the last couple of years. I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India to host an event, play a match, or whatever it may be. I really wish for that because I feel very close to the Indian people,” Djokovic stated (via Times Now).
Excellence Recognizing Excellence
The connection between the two “GOATs” (Greatest of All Time) is rooted in shared values. Recent interactions have highlighted this:
- Wimbledon 2025: Kohli, alongside Anushka Sharma, was seen cheering for Djokovic during his win against Alex de Minaur.
- Mutual Discipline: Both athletes are famously dedicated to strict plant-based diets, holistic fitness, and mental conditioning, often exchanging DMs regarding their training routines.
With Djokovic’s India visit now sounding like a “when” rather than an “if,” the prospect of a Djokovic-Kohli crossover match remains one of the most anticipated events for global sports fans in 2026.
