Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has expressed a heartfelt desire to play cricket with Indian batting great Virat Kohli, revealing on 7 July that he is actively planning a visit to India in the near future and that the two have already been in communication about it. The Serbian star made the remarks in an interview on JioStar, underscoring the cross-sport bond between two of the world's most celebrated athletes.

Djokovic on Kohli and the India Plan

'I would love to play some cricket and tennis with Virat Kohli. I am planning to visit India in the near future, and we have been communicating about it,' Djokovic said. He added that he hopes Kohli will serve as his host and show him around the country. 'I know Virat is a global star, but especially in India, he is incredible. I would love for him to be my host and show me around. I have a lot of respect for him and for Indian cricket,' he said.

Djokovic acknowledged that cricket holds little cultural footprint in his home country but noted that his exposure to the sport has grown steadily over the past decade. 'Cricket is not big in Serbia, where I come from. But some of the people in my team are British, and they love cricket. So I have been learning about the game over the last 10 to 15 years. I still need to work on my cricketing skills. Maybe Virat can help me with my technique and bat swing,' he said, adding that he holds 'great respect and admiration' for the Indian star.

The Wimbledon Moment That Sparked the Bond

The friendship between the two icons gained public attention at Wimbledon 2024, when Kohli — accompanied by his wife, actor Anushka Sharma — watched Djokovic's thrilling round-of-16 victory over Australia's Alex de Minaur. Kohli subsequently took to X to celebrate the win, posting: 'What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator, @djokernole.'

This year, Djokovic has continued his formidable run at the All England Club, adding another milestone to an already storied career.

Record-Breaking Run at Wimbledon 2025

On Sunday, Djokovic defeated Roman Safiullin 7-6(6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth round, surpassing Roger Federer's record of 105 Wimbledon men's singles victories to become the most successful men's singles player in the tournament's history. The win also sent Djokovic into his ninth consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final and the 17th of his career.

'A lot of my legacy is built on what I have achieved here at Wimbledon. This was the tournament I dreamed of winning as a child. I was blessed to experience that in 2011. And then, to go on and win the tournament seven times in total and play in so many finals — it has been an incredible journey,' Djokovic said.

He also reflected on his enduring connection with the Centre Court surface: 'For some reason, I have always managed to bring out the best tennis of my life on this grass surface. The energy, the history, the atmosphere — it all brings something extra out of me.'

What Comes Next at Wimbledon

Djokovic is set to face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarter-finals. A potential blockbuster semi-final against world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner looms on the horizon, setting up what could be one of the most anticipated matches of the fortnight. Whether Djokovic's India visit materialises before or after Wimbledon concludes remains to be seen, but his admiration for Kohli — and for the sport of cricket — is clearly more than courtside courtesy.