Two-time Olympic medallist and five-time world championships medallist PV Sindhu has opened up about the crucial role Virat Kohli played during one of the most challenging phases of her badminton career. Sindhu revealed that a simple conversation with the former Indian captain helped her change her mindset at a time when injuries were piling up, and results were not going her way.
The two sporting icons met at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru on May 19, 2026. Sindhu later spoke about Kohli’s influence during a recent episode of the RCB podcast, recalling how she approached him when she was struggling both physically and mentally.
According to Sindhu, Kohli responded within minutes when she reached out for advice and met her the following day. Instead of giving her complicated suggestions, the former RCB captain delivered a straightforward message: keep showing up, trust the work put in, and play without being consumed by the result.
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“He is like my brother, I must say. I remember when I was at my lowest. I told him nothing is happening. He just said, ‘Just show up. It is okay. Just go out there and just show up,’” PV Sindhu recalled.
The badminton star said Kohli’s words changed the way she viewed the difficult period. His emphasis on trusting her preparation and giving her best helped Sindhu move past the doubts created by injuries and disappointing performances.
“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, so show the world who you are,” she said.
𝐏𝐕 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐇𝐔 𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄! 🤩🤌
One of badminton’s most iconic names joins us, talks about the advice from Virat Kohli that pulled her out of her lowest point, silver medals that broke her before they built her, and giving back to the sport that gave her… pic.twitter.com/BjDRbluNyc
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) August 19, 2026
Sindhu added that her admiration for Kohli has continued to grow. She remains in touch with him, sharing her happiness after victories and seeking inspiration from his approach to competition.
For PV Sindhu, Kohli’s influence extends beyond his achievements on the cricket field. She praised his ability to consistently put himself under pressure, compete at the highest level, and maintain a strong mindset.
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Reflecting on their meetings, Sindhu said it is inspiring to learn from an athlete who has achieved so much. Her account highlights how lessons from one sport can have a powerful impact on another, with Kohli’s simple philosophy of showing up and trusting the process leaving a lasting impression on one of India’s biggest badminton stars.
