Virat Kohli, the star Indian cricketer, shocked the cricketing world with his announcement of retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, May 12, Kohli bid adieu to the format he cherished the most, leaving fans and fellow athletes in awe.
One such athlete who expressed his admiration for Kohli was tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to his Instagram story to share his thoughts on Kohli’s retirement, calling it an “incredible innings.” Djokovic reshared Kohli’s retirement announcement post and tagged the cricketer’s official Instagram account in his message, showing his respect for the Indian cricket icon.
Interestingly, not many fans may know that Djokovic has a connection with Kohli through sports. Djokovic once played for the UAE Royals team in the International Premier Tennis League, a competition co-owned by Kohli, Sachin Gadoya, and Neelesh Bhatanagar. The league, which ran from 2014 to 2016, featured top tennis players from around the world competing for their respective franchises.
The UAE Royals team boasted a star-studded lineup, with Djokovic leading the charge alongside players like Goran Ivanisevic, Janko Tipsarevic, Ana Ivanovic, and Marin Cilic. The team played their home matches at the Dubai Duty Free Stadium in Dubai and finished as runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2014.
Kohli’s influence extended beyond the cricket field, as his involvement in ventures like the UAE Royals brought together top athletes from different sports. Djokovic’s acknowledgment of Kohli’s retirement highlights the mutual respect shared between athletes from diverse backgrounds.
As Kohli bids farewell to Test cricket, his legacy as a champion player and leader will continue to inspire generations of fans and athletes worldwide. Djokovic’s message serves as a reminder of the impact Kohli has had on the sports community, bridging the gap between cricket and tennis through their shared experiences on and off the field.
