Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has opened up about her close bond with Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, revealing how a crucial conversation with him provided immense clarity and perspective during one of the toughest phases of her badminton career.

Speaking on the latest episode of the RCB Podcast, Sindhu described Kohli as a "brother" and recalled turning to him when she felt stuck and struggling for form.

'Just Go Out There and Show Up'

Sindhu explained that during a particularly difficult slump, she met Kohli and candidly shared her frustrations. Instead of offering overly complex technical or mental advice, the star batter gave her a simple yet powerful reminder to stay persistent and trust her preparation.

“He is like my brother I must say, because I remember when I was at my lowest, you know, I think I met him and I said, 'You know, nothing is happening,'” Sindhu said. “He just said that just show up, it is okay, just go out there and just show up.”

The advice struck a chord with the five-time World Championship medallist, completely shifting her mindset toward competing under pressure.

“He asked me to show up, anywhere and for anything and just play my game. What would happen? You are not going to lose anything, you know what you are, how you have trained and show the world who you are. So I think it hit me and I think that conversation completely changed my perspective,” she added.

A Mutual Sporting Bond

Sindhu highlighted that the two elite athletes have maintained regular contact, often celebrating each other's milestones. She emphasized how inspiring it is to exchange thoughts with someone who has consistently handled the weight of expectations at the highest level.

“Whenever I win, I just share my happiness saying that you know I have won this or that and recently I met him,” Sindhu noted. “It is always so good to meet a person who has achieved so much and to get a few of those inputs from him—the way he thinks whenever he goes out there, looking at him, how he shows up, how he plays, and what he is. I think hats off to him for whatever he has done.”

Sindhu's reflections come amidst her ongoing campaign at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, where she made a dominant start by defeating Ireland's Sophia Noble 21-7, 21-11 in the women's singles Round of 64.