PV Sindhu Reveals Virat Kohli’s Game-Changing Advice During Career Low
New Delhi, India – Two-time Olympic medalist and badminton sensation PV Sindhu has offered a rare glimpse into her personal connection with cricketing icon Virat Kohli, describing him as a "brother" and recalling pivotal advice he offered during a challenging phase of her career. The candid revelations came during a recent episode of the RCB Podcast, a teaser of which was shared on the IPL franchise’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Sindhu, a five-time World Championships medalist, disclosed that she once confided in Kohli during a period of intense struggle, feeling that "nothing is happening." Instead of a complex tactical solution, Kohli’s counsel was disarmingly simple yet profoundly impactful: "He just said that just show up, it is okay, just go out there and just show up."
This direct and uncomplicated message, Sindhu explained, profoundly shifted her perspective. "He asked me to show up, anywhere and for anything and just play my game. What would happen. You are not going to lose anything, you know what you are, how you have trained and show the world who you are. So I think it hit me and I think that conversation completely changed my perspective." The former world champion highlighted how Kohli encouraged her to trust her training and inherent abilities, urging her to continue appearing for matches and training sessions without overthinking the outcome.
The badminton star further elaborated on their continued communication, emphasizing that she often shares her triumphs with Kohli, who in turn offers invaluable insights from his own illustrious career. "Whenever I win, I just share my happiness saying that you know I have won this or that and recently I met him so it is always so good to meet you know a person who has achieved so much and to get few of those inputs from him, the way he thinks whenever he goes out there, looking at him how he shows up and how he plays and what he is, I think hats off to him for whatever he has done," she stated, expressing immense respect for Kohli’s dedication and mindset.
Sindhu’s reflections come as she currently competes at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, where she commenced her campaign with a dominant 21-7, 21-11 victory over Ireland’s Sophia Noble in the women’s singles Round of 64.
This intimate account provides a fascinating insight into the bond shared between two of India’s most celebrated athletes. With both Sindhu and Kohli having achieved unparalleled success in their respective sports, their mutual respect and supportive dynamic underscore the camaraderie that can exist even among top-tier competitors. Kohli’s simple yet powerful advice serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and self-belief, echoing a philosophy that has undoubtedly propelled both athletes to the pinnacles of their careers. The revelation highlights not just a friendship, but a profound mentorship that has undeniably played a role in shaping Sindhu’s mental resilience.
