Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has revealed how a simple piece of advice from cricket legend Virat Kohli helped her through one of the toughest phases of her career. Speaking on the RCB podcast, the two-time Olympic medallist shared that Kohli's words about "just showing up" completely changed her perspective on the game.
Virat Kohli's Advice That Changed PV Sindhu's Perspective
Sindhu recalled approaching Kohli at a time when she felt that "nothing is happening" in her career. The cricketer's response was straightforward — he reminded her of the importance of simply turning up and trusting her preparation. According to New Kerala, the conversation with Kohli helped Sindhu focus on playing her game rather than worrying about results.
The badminton star described her relationship with the cricketer warmly, saying, "He is like my brother, I must say, because I remember when I was at my lowest. I think I met him and I said, you know, nothing is happening..." The advice she received proved to be a turning point in her mindset.
How Kohli Stood By Sindhu During Her Lowest Phase
Sindhu opened up about how Kohli stood by her during this difficult period, proving that a few words at the right time can make all the difference. As reported by Olympics.com, the advice from the Indian cricket legend helped her navigate through the toughest phase of her career.
"I reached out to Virat during one of the lowest phases of my career. He replied within minutes." — PV Sindhu, as shared on Instagram
The timing of this revelation is significant, as Sindhu is currently competing at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. She made a winning start at the tournament, defeating Ireland's Sophia Noble in straight games — a result that shows her renewed focus and confidence on the court.
What 'Just Show Up' Means for Athletes
The advice Sindhu received goes beyond just badminton or cricket — it speaks to a universal truth in sports. According to Yahoo Sports, Sindhu expressed gratitude for Kohli's support, saying she is "grateful for Virat bhai" for helping her during one of the lowest points of her career.
The message is clear: sometimes the most powerful thing an athlete can do is simply show up, trust the work they have put in, and let their preparation take over. As CricketMood reports, this advice has resonated deeply with Sindhu and helped her shift her focus from outcomes to the process itself.
Our Take: The Power of Simple Advice in Sports
In our view, this story highlights something important about elite sports that often gets overlooked. We tend to focus on the physical training, the technique, and the tactics — but the mental side of the game is just as crucial. When a player like Sindhu, who has won Olympic medals and world championships, hits a rough patch, it shows that even the best athletes struggle with confidence and self-doubt.
What makes Kohli's advice so effective is its simplicity. "Just show up" sounds almost too basic to be helpful, but that is exactly why it works. It removes the pressure of having to perform perfectly and reminds the athlete that they have already done the hard work. The preparation is done — now they just need to trust it.
This advice also speaks to the importance of having people in your corner who understand what you are going through. Kohli, as one of India's greatest cricketers, knows the pressure of performing at the highest level. His words carried weight because they came from someone who has been there. For Sindhu, having that support from someone she considers a brother clearly made all the difference.
As Sindhu continues her campaign at the BWF World Championships, her renewed mindset will be tested. But with the lesson from Kohli fresh in her mind, she now knows that showing up is half the battle won.
