The Virat Kohli of Adelaide is long gone.
Words like accumulator and anchor, which have held him back in the past, are no longer in Kohli’s lexicon. Slow against spin, you say? Nuh uh. Not anymore. He scored 18 runs off seven balls at a strike rate of over 250. The stage was set. Early wickets were lost. Kohli was expected to do Kohli things. Get a six.
WRONG! Indore brought out something different. After all, this is the same Kohli who, just two days prior, Clive Lloyd had backed to ‘achieve everything he wants to’. The way he entertained the crowd last night is a clear indication of how he lifted himself out of the abyss.
What is the one thing that Kohli has always been expected to do when he is at one down? Tee off. Show intent. Get going. No more playing the waiting game. He did all that. Was he rough around the edges? A little, but if it does not matter to Kohli himself, it should not concern anyone else.
In response to Kohli’s “kind words,” Djokovic whips the internet into a frenzy by inviting the star cricket player from India.
Although Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic have been “text buddies” for a while, their virtual camaraderie may soon translate to the real world.
The greatest tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, and the most popular cricket player in India, Virat Kohli, have been praising each other recently. Djokovic revealed in the lead-up to the Australian Open 2024 that he and Kohli have been texting for quite some time. The former Indian captain then recounted their entire social media encounter story in a video shared by BCCI ahead of India vs. Afghanistan in Indore.
After watching that video, Djokovic congratulated Kohli and extended an invitation to play tennis with the cricket virtuoso. It is unclear from the 24-time Grand Slam champion if they will play tennis or bat and ball.
Djokovic, who seems to have developed a strong interest in cricket of late, commented on X (previously Twitter): “Thank you for these kind words, Virat Kohli. eager for the day when we may play together.”
https://x.com/DjokerNole/status/1746623216188039667?s=20
Before the Australian Open started, Djokovic was spotted playing tennis with Australian cricketer Steve Smith. His interactions with the former captain of Australia were quite entertaining. The tennis legend also gave cricket a go. Following the revelation of his interactions with Kohli, his reputation as a practitioner of the “gentleman’s game” is only going to get stronger.
Djokovic started the whole incident by saying, “Virat Kohli and I have been texting a bit for a few years. We never got a chance to meet in person, but it was really an honor and a privilege to hear him speak nicely about me.”
But I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I come to India, and I will not embarrass myself when I am there,” Djokovic stated on Sony Sports Network. “I obviously admire all of his career and achievements.”
“I was just browsing Novak’s Instagram profile when I accidentally clicked the message button, which is how we got in contact with each other very naturally.” I thought I would just say hello, maybe,” Kohli said, revealing more about their social media exchanges a day after Djokovic’s remarks went viral. Kohli said he wanted to be the first one to reach out to the 36-year-old tennis legend, but to his surprise, the Serbian had already messaged him, starting their friendship.
The first time I viewed my own messages, I saw that he had messaged me personally. I thought, Let me just see whether it is a false account or something. And then I got a message from him on my DM already. I never opened it myself.
The two athletes quickly bonded, exchanging regular congratulations on each other’s accomplishments. They both exhibit the highest level of fitness, which enables them to perform well even in their mid-30s.
Djokovic also congratulated Kohli on hitting his 50th ODI century in an Instagram story. The Indian cricket legend found enormous meaning in this gesture.
In a way, I believe that it is inspiring the next generation collectively. It is really nice to connect with global athletes who are, you know, excelling at a high level.”His journey, his passion for fitness—something that I dearly follow myself and believe in a lot. So there is a lot to connect on.” “I recently celebrated my 50th century, and he put out a story and sent me a very nice message as well. So, there has been mutual admiration and respect.”
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