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

By Aditya Rao — 21 July 2026 — 3 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. This period followed a challenging phase in her career marked by injuries and a title drought.

Sindhu experienced a difficult two-year stretch, which included a stress fracture and an early exit from the Paris Olympics. These setbacks, coupled with a prolonged period without a major title since the 2024 Syed Modi International, led to self-doubt. During this time, she sought guidance from Kohli, who she felt understood the pressures faced by elite athletes.

A pivotal conversation

In September 2025, Sindhu sustained a torn toe ligament during training, which forced her to end her season early and concentrate on rehabilitation. Under the care of sports orthopaedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, she underwent three months of complete rest, followed by an extensive rehabilitation programme.

During this challenging period, Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, reached out to Kohli. Kohli responded quickly, and they met the following day. Sindhu recounted this emotional moment on X, reposting an interview her husband gave to The Indian Express, highlighting the meeting as a turning point in her recovery.

She expressed gratitude for Virat Kohli, stating that she contacted 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. Although the specifics of their conversation remain private, Sindhu noted that Kohli’s words significantly impacted both her and her husband, changing their perspective.

Datta Sai further elaborated on Kohli’s influence, explaining that Kohli’s advice continued to inspire them throughout the recovery process. He mentioned that they focused on rebuilding Sindhu’s enjoyment of the game, with Kohli’s words resonating with them. Sindhu trained with three trainers, Wayne, Tim, and Rayan, at Atlanta’s Exos Sports Performance facility.

Kohli’s counsel encouraged Sindhu to shift her focus from pursuing trophies to rediscovering the joy and passion that initially drew her to badminton. This change in mindset was crucial for her comeback. She acknowledged that the most significant takeaway from their discussion was the importance of finding joy in the sport again, which now motivates her early morning training sessions beyond just winning.

Japan Open triumph

The transformation in mindset was evident in Sindhu’s performance at the Japan Open. Her comeback culminated on July 19, 2026, when she secured the women’s singles title, making history as the first Indian shuttler across any discipline to win this prestigious tournament in its 43-year history.

Entering the tournament ranked World No. 12, the 31-year-old delivered a strong performance in the final 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. This victory marked her first major title in over two years.

The final match was not without its challenges. Sindhu established an early lead but had to contend with Yamaguchi’s efforts to close the gap. She navigated a demanding 36-shot rally to level the first game at 11-11 and maintained her composure when the scores were tied again at 17-17. The second game followed a similar pattern, but Sindhu remained calm and decisive, securing one of the most significant wins of her recent career.

With this win, Sindhu also became the oldest woman to win a BWF Super 750 title at the age of 31. The trophy ended a title drought that had lasted more than two years, but for Sindhu, the most important victory began with her conversation with Virat Kohli, which reminded her of her fundamental love for the game.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com