PV Sindhu reveals Virat Kohli's secret advice behind Japan Open win

PV Sindhu has revealed how a conversation with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli helped her during one of the most difficult phases of her career. The two-time Olympic medallist said Kohli's advice changed her mindset and gave her a fresh perspective, which played an important role in her journey back to winning the Japan Open 2026 title.

Sindhu's victory was a historic one as she became the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open title. The triumph also ended her 19-month title drought and marked a strong comeback after recovering from a toe ligament injury that kept her away from competitive badminton for three months. Along with her hard work on court, changes in her training and recovery programme also played a key role in her success.

The former world champion also praised her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, who supported her throughout her recovery and worked closely with her support staff to improve her fitness and workload management. Sindhu shared that Datta was also present during her conversation with Kohli, and together they drew inspiration from his advice about finding the joy of competing, helping her return stronger than ever.

Sindhu recalls the exact conversation with Kohli that stuck with her

After making a successful comeback, PV Sindhu ended her long title drought by winning the Japan Open Super 750. During one of the most difficult phases of her career, when injuries and poor results had affected her confidence, she reached out to Virat Kohli for advice on handling pressure and making a strong comeback.

Sindhu asked Kohli how he managed the difficult period when he went a long time without scoring an international century. Kohli told her that he had stopped thinking only about results and instead focused on enjoying the game again. His advice was simple but powerful—to rediscover the joy of competing instead of worrying about success or failure.

Recalling the moment, Sindhu wrote on X, "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." She added that Kohli's words changed the way she looked at the game and played an important role in helping her return to winning ways.

How Kohli's mindset advice helped her handle pressure in the Final

PV Sindhu said her conversation with Virat Kohli had a lasting impact on both her and her husband, Venkata Datta Sai. Although she chose not to reveal the exact details of their discussion, she said the advice helped change her mindset and gave her a new way of looking at the challenges in her career.

Sharing her thoughts on X, Sindhu wrote, "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 said those few words stayed with her and helped her approach the game with a fresh perspective.

Sindhu also revealed the biggest lesson she learned from the conversation. She wrote, "The biggest thing I took away was the importance of finding your joy again. Today, I know exactly why I wake up for those 5:30 a.m. sessions. And I can honestly say... it isn't the trophies. It isn't the wins. It's something much deeper. And this time, I'll protect it with everything I have." She believes this new mindset played a key role in helping her handle pressure and return to winning ways.

Inside PV Sindhu's Japan Open Title run — On and off the court

PV Sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Japan Open Super 750 title. She defeated Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, 21-17, 21-17, in the final. After the victory, Sindhu became emotional and said the title was the result of years of hard work and determination. She also revealed that she had been waiting 19 months to win another major title.

Reflecting on her journey, Sindhu said she never stopped believing in herself despite questions about her future. She said, "This win is very special to me. I have been working hard for a long time. Tears of joy came to my eyes after the victory. I have been waiting for this title for the last 19 months." She also thanked her coaches, parents, husband Venkata Datta Sai, and her in-laws for supporting her throughout her comeback.

The Japan Open title is Sindhu's first major championship since winning the Syed Modi International in December 2024 and her biggest title since the 2019 BWF World Championships. She is now competing at the China Open Super 1000 in Changzhou and has already turned her focus to the BWF World Championships, which will be held in India from August 17 to 23. Sindhu believes maintaining her confidence, attacking style, and reducing unforced errors will be the key to continuing her winning form.