How a Conversation With Virat Kohli Helped PV Sindhu Script Her Comeback
Long before PV Sindhu lifted the Japan Open title and ended a wait of more than two years for a major trophy, her comeback began with a conversation that changed her outlook.
After battling injuries, disappointing results and mounting self-doubt, the two-time Olympic medallist reached out to former India captain Virat Kohli during one of the toughest phases of her career. What followed, Sindhu says, became a turning point in her journey back to the top.
Speaking in a post on X after her Japan Open triumph, Sindhu revealed that she contacted Kohli when recurring injuries and a prolonged title drought had left her searching for answers.
“One thing I’ll always be grateful for 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.”
Sindhu, accompanied by her husband Venkata Datta Sai, spent several hours with Kohli discussing the challenges of elite sport. While she chose not to reveal the details of their conversation, she admitted its impact has stayed with her ever since.
“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.”
Finding Joy Again
Among the biggest lessons Sindhu took away from the meeting was Kohli’s advice to stop obsessing over trophies and rediscover her love for the game.
“The biggest thing I took away was the importance of finding your joy again,” Sindhu said.
“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.”
Ironically, that renewed perspective soon translated into silverware. Sindhu defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the Japan Open final to become the first Indian to win the tournament. At 31, she also became the oldest women’s singles player to claim a BWF Super 750 title.
A Comeback Built on Patience
The title was the culmination of months of meticulous rebuilding following a difficult spell marked by injuries and an early exit at the Paris Olympics.
Working alongside husband Datta Sai, strength trainer Wayne Lombard and Indonesian coach Irwansyah, Sindhu revamped both her fitness and playing style. She lost around 3.5 kilograms, improved her movement and added greater variation to her game, relying more on drop shots, half-smashes and deceptive net play instead of sheer power.
“For me, taking it one day at a time mattered a lot. I kept telling myself, ‘Let’s see what comes next. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.’ Slowly, I started getting better.”
She also refused to rush her return.
“I wanted to be at my best and at 100%. Because if I’m only 50% fit and go onto the court, lose in the first round and come back, that doesn’t really matter.”
Using Data to Stay Ahead
Sindhu also highlighted the growing role of data analytics in her preparation, saying it has helped her better understand workload, recovery and performance.
“Data has been one of the most important aspects. Monitoring your strain and understanding why you’re not moving properly on a given day keeps you from falling into a negative frame of mind. Instead, data tells you what’s happening and why.”
With the World Championships in New Delhi and the Asian Games on the horizon, Sindhu believes the Japan Open triumph has reaffirmed her belief that she can still compete with the world’s best.
“I’ve always believed in myself. This title was very, very important. It gives me confidence and belief that I can do it. And it’s not over yet.”
For Sindhu, the comeback was never just about ending a title drought. It was about rediscovering the joy of competing. Once that happened, the trophies followed.
Comments are closed.