Virat Kohli has opened up on why he never refuses to help younger cricketers, even if they are part of rival IPL teams, saying the growth of Indian cricket matters more to him than short-term competition. The former India captain’s comments came shortly after Prince Yadav revealed that advice from Kohli himself helped him produce what many fans described as the “ball of IPL 2026.” The incident took place during the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants.

Virat Kohli was dismissed for a two-ball duck after Prince bowled a sharp delivery that jagged back in and sneaked through the gap between bat and pad. After the match, Prince revealed that Kohli had earlier advised him to consistently bowl on an off-stump length whenever the ball was moving. “As long as it’s moving around off a length, stick to that length,” Prince recalled Kohli telling him.

The revelation quickly went viral on social media, with many fans joking that Kohli had indirectly contributed to his own dismissal. However, the RCB opener made it clear that he has absolutely no regrets about helping younger bowlers improve their game. Virat Speaking on an RCB podcast, Kohli explained that he has always believed in sharing knowledge with emerging Indian players, regardless of which IPL franchise they represent.

WATCH – Rachin Ravindra Leaves KKR Camp Ahead Of IPL 2026 Final League Matches

“If Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches out to me before we have to play Rajasthan Royals, I’m not going to think about competition first,” Kohli said. “He needs help, and if I can help him improve, why would I wait until after the match? If he has a great season and eventually plays for India, that benefits Indian cricket,” he added.

this guy sees everything on internet 😂pic.twitter.com/6q19ZSm8Fj

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) May 15, 2026

Kohli stressed that his mindset has evolved over the years, and he now views mentorship as one of his biggest responsibilities as a senior cricketer. According to him, helping talented youngsters unlock their full potential is more important than worrying about whether they might score runs against his team in a particular game.

The former India captain also admitted that he genuinely enjoys helping players during difficult phases because he understands how important guidance can be early in a career. Reflecting on Prince Yadav’s rise, Kohli revealed that he first met the young pacer during the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy while representing the Delhi cricket team.

WATCH – Rohit Sharma Hilariously Mocks His Knock After MI’s Win Over PBKS

Kohli said senior India pacer Ishant Sharma introduced him to Prince, and the two quickly developed a good bond. “People don’t know this, but I didn’t know Prince before Vijay Hazare. He’s a very sweet and funny guy. During those games, I kept talking to him about where to bowl and what areas to target,” Virat Kohli explained.

Kohli believes Indian cricket can only remain strong if experienced players continue passing knowledge to the next generation. He warned that standards could eventually decline if senior cricketers become unwilling to support younger talents. “You’re not going to be here forever. If these players become the best version of themselves, eventually Indian cricket benefits,” Virat Kohli said. “That’s the progress I want to see. If I can help someone reach their potential, that helps the future of Indian cricket,” he added.

Kohli also revealed that he had similar conversations with Mohammed Siraj ahead of RCB’s clash against Gujarat Titans earlier this season. The batting superstar said he discussed Siraj’s rhythm and bowling approach despite knowing they would soon face each other in a high-pressure IPL match.

According to Kohli, true competition means wanting to face opponents at their absolute best rather than taking advantage of players struggling for confidence or rhythm. “I want Siraj to be at his best because I want to compete against the best version of him,” Kohli said. The 37-year-old concluded by saying he may not enjoy unnecessary post-match social interactions during the IPL, but he will always make time for cricketers who genuinely want to learn more about the game.