PV Sindhu credits Virat Kohli’s advice for career revival and Japan Open victory

By Karan Malhotra — 21 July 2026 — 4 min read

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu has shared how a conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli played a crucial role in her recovery from a significant injury and subsequent return to form, culminating in a historic win at the Japan Open. The two-time Olympic medallist faced a challenging period marked by injuries and a title drought, leading to self-doubt.

In 2025, Sindhu sustained a torn toe ligament during training in September, which necessitated an early end to her season and a focus on rehabilitation. She underwent three months of complete rest, followed by an extensive rehabilitation program under the guidance of sports orthopaedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala.

During this difficult phase, Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, sought advice from Kohli. Kohli responded quickly, and the trio met the following day. Sindhu described this meeting as a turning point in her recovery, sharing her sentiments on X by reposting her husband’s interview.

Sindhu expressed her gratitude for Kohli, stating that she reached out to him during one of the lowest points of her career when injuries were accumulating and results were not favorable. She needed someone who could understand her situation, and Kohli’s prompt response and willingness to meet were significant.

While the specifics of their conversation remain private, Sindhu emphasized its profound impact. She noted that Kohli’s words, though few, resonated deeply with both her and Datta, changing their perspective on her situation. Datta Sai also highlighted how Kohli’s words continued to inspire them throughout the recovery process.

Overcoming career challenges

The period leading up to her comeback was one of the most demanding in Sindhu’s career. Beyond the stress fracture that disrupted her momentum, she also experienced an early exit from her Paris Olympics campaign. This was compounded by a series of setbacks where injuries persisted, making rehabilitation a frustrating cycle.

A title drought, which had extended for more than two years, added to the pressure, leading to questions about her future in the sport. The lack of favorable results and increasing criticism meant Sindhu needed support from someone who understood the unique pressures faced by elite athletes.

Her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, was a key figure in her comeback, providing unwavering support and playing an instrumental role in assembling her current support team. This team focused on a data-driven approach and thorough preparation to aid her return to peak performance.

The conversation with Kohli was not a formal mentorship session but a private meeting where Sindhu and Datta Sai spent hours discussing her challenges with the former India captain in Bengaluru. The details of their discussion have not been made public, but Sindhu reiterated that the advice she received was invaluable.

Kohli’s counsel reportedly focused not on winning more titles or altering her technique, but on rediscovering the inherent joy and passion that initially drew her to badminton. Sindhu acknowledged that the most significant takeaway was the importance of finding her joy in the sport again, shifting her focus away from solely chasing trophies.

This change in mindset helped Sindhu redefine her motivation for training. She now understands that her dedication to early morning sessions is driven by something deeper than just winning. This internal shift was crucial in her journey back to competitive success.

Historic Japan Open triumph

The culmination of Sindhu’s comeback was her victory at the Japan Open on July 19, 2026. She made history by becoming the first Indian shuttler across any discipline to win the women’s singles title at the tournament, which has a 43-year history. This victory ended a title drought that had lasted for more than two years.

Entering the tournament ranked World No. 12, the 31-year-old delivered a strong performance in the final held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. She defeated home favorite and World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi with a score of 21-17, 21-17 in straight games.

The final match itself was challenging. Sindhu established an early lead but had to contend with Yamaguchi’s efforts to recover. She successfully navigated a lengthy 36-shot rally to draw level at 11-11 in the first game and maintained her composure when the scores were tied again at 17-17. The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sindhu demonstrating a composed approach to secure one of the most significant victories of her recent career.

At 31 years old, Sindhu also became the oldest woman to win a BWF Super 750 title. Her triumph at the Japan Open marked not only the end of a long and challenging period but also a testament to the power of mental resilience and the support she received.

The conversation with Virat Kohli, which reminded her why she loved the game, ultimately preceded her success on the court in Japan.