PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist and five-time World Championships medallist, has spoken about the pivotal role Virat Kohli played in helping her navigate one of the most challenging phases of her badminton career. The two athletes met at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru on May 19, 2026, where Sindhu shared insights into how Kohli's guidance transformed her perspective during a difficult period.
Sindhu reached out to Kohli when injuries were mounting, and results were not coming her way. She described how he responded within minutes to her request for support and met her the very next day. The badminton star has since been gradually regaining momentum after the challenging year marked by injuries.
"He is like my brother I must say, because I remember when I was at my lowest you know I think I met him and I said you know nothing is happening. He just said that just show up, it is okay, just go out there and just show up," Sindhu said in a latest episode of RCB podcast.
How Kohli's simple message changed her perspective
Kohli's advice centred on a simple but powerful message about showing up and playing her game without fear of the outcome. Rather than offering complex tactical guidance, he encouraged Sindhu to trust her preparation and abilities. Sindhu explained how this conversation shifted her mindset during a period when doubt had begun to creep in.
"He asked me to show up, anywhere and for anyting 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," Sindhu continued.
Ongoing inspiration from a senior athlete
The impact of Kohli's words extended beyond that single conversation. Sindhu has maintained her connection with the former RCB captain and continues to draw inspiration from his approach to sport. She values not only his advice but also the way he conducts himself on and off the field.
"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," Sindhu concluded.