‘When I needed someone, he was there’: PV Sindhu recalls Virat Kohli’s role in comeback | Cricket News
PV Sindhu recounts how a conversation with Virat Kohli helped her overcome one of the most difficult phases of her career following a serious injury in 2025, ultimately inspiring a remarkable comeback that culminated in a historic Japan Open title.The two-time Olympic medalist tore a toe ligament during training in September 2025, forcing her to shorten her season and focus entirely on recovery. Sindhu underwent three months of complete rest followed by an extensive rehabilitation program under the supervision of renowned sports orthopedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala.During that challenging period, Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, sought guidance from Kohli. The former India captain responded almost immediately and the three met the next day.Sindhu shared the emotional moment on X while reposting her husband’s interview with The Indian Express and revealed how the meeting became a turning point in her recovery.“One thing I will always be grateful for, though, is Virat bhai. I reached out to him at one of the lowest points of my career. The injuries were piling up, the results were yet to come, and I just needed someone who understood. He responded within minutes and we met the next day. What we talked about will stay between us forever. But what I will always be grateful for is that when I needed someone, he was there. He didn’t say much, but every word stayed with Datta and me. Some conversations will change the way you see things. That’s one of them,” Sindhu wrote on X.
Datta Sai reveals Kohli’s influence
In an interview with The Indian Express, Sindhu’s husband Venkata Datta Sai explained how Kohli’s words continued to inspire them throughout their recovery process. “We had to rebuild her happiness, Virat’s words kept ringing in my mind. She trained with three great coaches, Wayne, Tim and Rayan, at the Exos Sports Performance Training Center in Atlanta,” recalls Datta.
Historic victory at Japan Open completes comeback
Sindhu’s comeback came to a perfect end on July 19, 2026, when Sindhu won the Japan Open women’s singles title, writing history and becoming the first Indian badminton player to lift the crown across any discipline in the 43-year history of the tournament. The 31-year-old, who entered the tournament ranked 12th in the world, performed well in the final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, beating local favorite and world number one. 3 Akane Yamaguchi lost two straight games 21-17, 21-17.
Post Comment