PV Sindhu Reveals Virat Kohli Advice That Changed Her Outlook

PV Sindhu has revealed that a simple piece of advice from Virat Kohli helped change her perspective during one of the toughest periods of her badminton career. Speaking on the RCB podcast while competing at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, Sindhu said Kohli urged her to “just show up” when she felt that nothing was happening for her.

The two-time Olympic medallist said she approached the India cricketer at a low point and found his response direct but meaningful. Sindhu said the message encouraged her to place greater emphasis on turning up to compete and trusting the work she had put in, rather than becoming consumed by the outcome.

Kohli’s message gave Sindhu a new perspective

Sindhu described Kohli as being like a brother to her and recalled telling him that “nothing is happening” during their conversation. According to Sindhu, Kohli told her it was okay and encouraged her to go out and simply show up.

She said his advice was to show up anywhere and for anything, play her own game and remember what she had trained for. Sindhu said Kohli’s words made her consider that she had nothing to lose by competing with belief and showing the world who she was.

For Sindhu, the conversation resonated well beyond that moment. She said it completely changed her perspective, making the advice a significant part of how she approached the demanding phases that can come in an elite sporting career.

The comments offer a glimpse into the connection between two prominent Indian athletes from different sports. Kohli’s career has made him a figure Sindhu looks to for insight, particularly in the way he approaches competition and performs under pressure.

Sindhu said she remains in touch with Kohli and shares her happiness with him when she wins. She also said she had met him recently and valued the opportunity to receive inputs from someone who has achieved so much in sport.

Reflecting on what she admires, Sindhu pointed to Kohli’s mindset when he goes out to play, as well as the way he shows up, performs and carries himself. She praised what he has done in his career, underlining why his words made such an impression on her.

Winning start at the BWF World Championships

Sindhu’s recollection came as she opened her 2026 BWF World Championships campaign with a straight-games victory at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The former world champion defeated Ireland’s Sophia Noble 21-7, 21-11 in 29 minutes in the opening women’s singles match.

The result moved Sindhu into the Round of 32 and gave her a confident beginning in the tournament. Her comments about Kohli’s advice also add context to the mindset she has carried into competition: focus on appearing, playing her game and relying on her preparation.

As the World Championships continue in New Delhi, Sindhu’s opening win has put her through to the next stage. Her account of the conversation with Kohli shows how a brief exchange at a difficult time became a lasting reminder to keep competing and trust the process.