PV Sindhu credits Virat Kohli conversation for career comeback
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist in badminton, has attributed a significant conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli as a pivotal factor in her career resurgence. This discussion reportedly helped her overcome a challenging period marked by injuries and a title drought, culminating in her historic victory at the Japan Open.
Sindhu faced a difficult phase following a torn toe ligament injury in September 2025, which necessitated an early end to her season and an intensive rehabilitation program. Under the guidance of orthopaedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, she underwent three months of rest followed by extensive recovery efforts. This period was characterized by self-doubt and a series of setbacks, including an early exit from the Paris Olympics campaign and a prolonged absence of major titles since the 2024 Syed Modi International.
A crucial conversation
During this challenging time, Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, sought advice from Kohli. Kohli, a former captain of the India cricket team, responded quickly, leading to a meeting the following day. Sindhu later shared on X, a social media platform, that this meeting became a turning point in her recovery journey.
She expressed gratitude for Kohli’s presence, stating that he was there when she needed someone. While the specifics of their conversation remain private, Sindhu indicated that it profoundly changed her perspective. Her husband, Datta Sai, also highlighted Kohli’s influence, noting that his words continued to inspire them throughout the recovery process.
Kohli’s advice reportedly focused on rediscovering the joy and passion for badminton rather than solely chasing trophies. This shift in mindset was crucial for Sindhu, helping her to reconnect with the fundamental reasons she pursued the sport. She acknowledged that this renewed focus on intrinsic motivation, rather than external rewards, became a driving force for her training sessions.
Return to form and historic victory
The impact of this mindset shift became evident with Sindhu’s performance at the Japan Open. Entering the tournament ranked World No. 12, she delivered a strong performance in the final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on July 19, 2026. She defeated home favourite and World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi with a score of 21-17, 21-17 in straight games.
This victory marked a significant milestone, as Sindhu became the first Indian shuttler across any discipline to win the women’s singles title in the tournament’s 43-year history. Additionally, at the age of 31, she became the oldest woman to secure a BWF Super 750 title. The final match against Yamaguchi was described as a composed performance, where Sindhu maintained her composure through challenging rallies, including a 36-shot exchange in the opening game.
The triumph at the Japan Open ended a title drought that had extended for more than two years. Sindhu’s husband, Venkata Datta Sai, also played a significant role in her comeback, assembling a support team that emphasized data and preparation. Sindhu’s own reflections suggest that the most important victory occurred before she even competed in Japan, stemming from the conversation with Kohli that reminded her of her love for the game.
The period leading up to her comeback was characterized by persistent injuries and a cycle of rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, the conversation with Kohli provided a fresh perspective, enabling her to overcome self-doubt and reignite her passion for badminton. This journey from injury and self-doubt to a historic victory underscores the importance of mental fortitude and support in elite sports.
Sindhu’s success at the Japan Open on July 19, 2026, marked the culmination of this comeback.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
