PV Sindhu, the Indian badminton player, has spoken about the significant role a conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli played in her return to form following a challenging period marked by injury and self-doubt. This interaction is credited with helping her achieve a historic win at the Japan Open.
Sindhu faced a difficult phase in her career, enduring injuries and a period without major titles. This challenging time included a torn toe ligament in September 2025, which necessitated extensive rehabilitation. She sought guidance from Kohli during what she described as one of the lowest points in her career.
A pivotal conversation
Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, reached out to Kohli for support. Kohli responded quickly, and a meeting took place the following day. While the specifics of their discussion remain private, Sindhu emphasized its profound impact on her recovery and mindset.
On X, Sindhu reposted her husband’s interview, sharing her gratitude for Kohli’s presence during a critical time. She stated 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 advice continued to inspire them throughout the rehabilitation process.
During this period, Sindhu focused on rebuilding her joy for the sport. She trained at Atlanta’s Exos Sports Performance facility with trainers Wayne, Tim, and Rayan. Kohli’s counsel encouraged her to shift her focus from chasing trophies to rediscovering the passion that initially drew her to badminton.
This change in approach was crucial for Sindhu, who had experienced a title drought stretching back to the 2024 Syed Modi International. Her Paris Olympics campaign had also concluded with an early exit, and a stress fracture had previously disrupted her momentum. The accumulation of setbacks and lingering injuries had created a frustrating cycle of rehabilitation.
Japan Open triumph
The culmination of Sindhu’s comeback was her victory at the Japan Open women’s singles title on July 19, 2026. This win marked her first major title in over two years and established her as the first Indian shuttler across any discipline to claim the prestigious crown in the tournament’s 43-year history.
Entering the tournament ranked World No. 12, Sindhu delivered a strong performance in the final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. She defeated home favourite and World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, with scores of 21-17, 21-17.
At 31, Sindhu also became the oldest woman to win a BWF Super 750 title. The final match against Yamaguchi was not without its challenges. Sindhu secured an early lead and managed to withstand Yamaguchi’s efforts to level the score. She navigated a demanding 36-shot rally to tie the first game at 11-11 and maintained her composure when the scores were again level at 17-17.
The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sindhu demonstrating a calm and focused approach to secure one of the most significant victories of her recent career. This triumph ended a title drought that had lasted more than two years, underscoring the impact of her renewed mindset.
Sindhu’s journey highlights how a shift in perspective, influenced by a conversation with Kohli, helped her overcome significant career obstacles and return to the top of her sport, culminating in her historic Japan Open victory on July 19, 2026.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
