Returning to the peak of international badminton requires more than just physical endurance; it demands unyielding mental resilience. Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu recently exemplified this grit by snapping a 19-month title drought to claim the prestigious Japan Open 2026 women’s singles crown, a victory deeply rooted in an unexpected mentorship from Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.
Facing severe setback after a torn toe ligament in late 2025 forced her into a mandatory three-month rehabilitation, Sindhu found herself grappling with form, fitness, and self-doubt. In her search for clarity, she reached out to Kohli, seeking perspective from a veteran who had navigated similar elite-level scrutiny and high-pressure career downturns.
PV Sindhu credits Virat Kohli’s advice for her Japan Open comeback
Reflecting on her journey following her historic victory in Tokyo, where she became the first Indian shuttler to lift the Japan Open title, Sindhu expressed her deep gratitude for Kohli’s prompt support during her most vulnerable phase. Joining her during the pivotal interaction was her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, as both sought guidance from the former Indian cricket captain.
Taking to social media to acknowledge the impact of their meeting, Sindhu shared how Kohli’s swift responsiveness provided an immediate lifeline.
“One thing I’ll always be grateful for, though, is Virat bhai, I reached out to him at one of the lowest points of my career. Injuries were piling up, the results weren’t coming, and I just needed someone who understood. He replied within minutes, and we met the very next day,” Sindhu revealed to The Indian Express.
While Sindhu chose to keep the exact details of their discussion private, she emphasized that Kohli’s insights fundamentally altered her outlook on performance under pressure, helping her navigate the dark periods of injury recovery and competitive drought.
Restoring faith and rediscovering joy on the court
The road back to triumph was far from straightforward for the 31-year-old champion. Having not secured a title since her win at the Syed Modi International in December 2024, the physical toll of her September 2025 foot injury threatened to derail her momentum permanently. However, the renewed perspective gained from her conversation with Kohli allowed her to shift her focus from mounting pressure to pure execution.
“What we spoke about will always stay between us. But I’ll always be grateful that when I needed someone, he was there. He didn’t say much, but every word stayed with Datta and me. Some conversations change the way you see things. That was one of them,” she added.
That transformative mindset was fully on display throughout her dominant run at the Japan Open, where her aggressive court coverage and tactical poise signalled a complete return to elite form. Now carrying that momentum forward into the China Open Super 1000 in Changzhou, Sindhu stands as a prominent contender once again, backed by a refreshed mindset and the wisdom shared between two of India’s iconic sporting legends.
