“Let me just check if it’s a fake account” - Virat Kohli shares first reaction after receiving DM from Novak Djokovic

Team India batter Virat Kohli has revealed that his first reaction on receiving a DM (Direct Message) from tennis legend Novak Djokovic on Instagram was to check whether the message had come from a fake account.

Speaking to Sony Sports Network recently, Djokovic stated that while he has never met Kohli in person, the two have been in touch over texts for a few years. He also hailed the star Indian cricketer over his glorious achievements.

In a chat with bcci.tv, Kohli paid back the compliment and also opened up on the interesting story of how he and Djokovic started interacting online.

“I got in touch with Novak very organically. I think I was just looking at his profile once Instagram and I just happened to press the message button. I thought I’ll just say hello maybe. And then, I saw a message from him on my DM already. I never opened it myself,” the 35-year-old said.

“First time I saw my own messages, I saw he’s messaged me himself. And I was like, let me just check if it’s a fake account or something like that. But then, I checked it again and it was legitimate and we got talking. We keep exchanging messages every now and then,” Kohli went on to add.

One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles.

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“Will catch up with him and maybe have a cup of coffee” - Kohli on the prospect of meeting Djokovic in person

Hailing Djokovic, Kohli recalled that the Serbian tennis star sent him a nice message after he scored his 50th ODI ton, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record. He also stated that the two share great mutual admiration.

“I congratulated him for all his amazing achievements. When I got my 50th [ODI] century recently, he put out a story and he sent me a very nice message as well. There’s been a mutual admiration, respect and really nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a higher level. Collectively, what I think about it is it’s sending out a message of inspiration to the next generation in a way,” the former India captain said.

“I have a lot of respect for him, his journey, his passion for fitness, something that I follow myself and believe in a lot. So, there’s lot to connect on,” Kohli added.

Admitting that he would love to meet the tennis superstar in person and have a nice interaction, the Indian cricketer stated

“Hopefully, if he comes to India soon or I happen to be in a country where he’s playing, will definitely catch up with him and just chill out and maybe have a cup of coffee.”

Kohli will be seen in action during the second T20I against Afghanistan in Indore on Sunday, January 14. He missed the first match of the series due to personal reasons.