A crucial conversation during a challenging period
Indian badminton player PV Sindhu has spoken about the significant role Virat Kohli played in her career comeback. Following a serious injury in 2025, a conversation with the former India cricket captain helped her navigate a difficult phase, ultimately leading to a historic victory at the Japan Open. Sindhu endured a challenging two-year period marked by injuries, an early exit from the Paris Olympics, and a notable title drought, which led to self-doubt.
The two-time Olympic medallist suffered a torn toe ligament during training in September 2025. This injury forced her to end her season early and concentrate on rehabilitation. She underwent three months of complete rest, followed by an extensive rehabilitation programme, under the guidance of sports orthopaedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala.
During this demanding time, Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, sought guidance from Kohli. The cricketer responded quickly, and they met the following day. Sindhu shared on X how this meeting became a turning point in her recovery, reposting an interview her husband gave to The Indian Express.
Kohli’s influence on Sindhu’s mindset
Sindhu expressed her gratitude for Kohli’s support during one of the lowest points of her career. She mentioned that injuries were accumulating, results were not favorable, and she needed someone who understood her situation. Kohli’s prompt reply and their subsequent meeting provided that understanding.
The specifics of their conversation remain private, but Sindhu noted that every word resonated with her and Datta. She described it as one of those conversations that change one’s perspective. Datta Sai also highlighted Kohli’s influence, stating that his words continued to inspire them throughout the recovery process. He recalled how Kohli’s advice kept ringing in his head as they worked to rebuild Sindhu’s joy for the sport.
Kohli’s counsel focused not on winning more titles or altering her technique, but on rediscovering the passion that initially drew her to badminton. Sindhu acknowledged that the biggest takeaway was the importance of finding joy in the game again. This shift in mindset helped her understand a deeper motivation beyond trophies and wins.
Triumph at the Japan Open
The change in mindset was evident in her performance on the court. The comeback culminated on July 19, 2026, when Sindhu made history by winning the Japan Open women’s singles title. She became 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 with a score of 21-17, 21-17 in straight games. At 31 years old, Sindhu also became the oldest woman to win a BWF Super 750 title.
The final match was not without its challenges. Sindhu secured an early lead, withstood Yamaguchi’s efforts to fight back, and navigated a demanding 36-shot rally to level the first game at 11-11. She maintained her composure when the scores were tied again at 17-17. The second game followed a similar pattern, but Sindhu remained calm and closed out one of the most significant victories of her recent career. This triumph ended a title drought that had lasted more than two years.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
