Virat Kohli Reflects on Advice That Led to His Dismissal in IPL 2026

In a recent IPL 2026 match, Virat Kohli's advice to Lucknow Super Giants' bowler Prince Yadav led to his own dismissal. Kohli discusses the significance of mentoring young players and how it contributes to the overall standard of Indian cricket. He reflects on his connection with Yadav and the importance of helping others improve in the sport. This insightful conversation highlights Kohli's commitment to fostering talent in cricket while acknowledging the challenges of the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 00:17 IST

Kohli Discusses His Advice to Prince Yadav

Virat Kohli recently shared insights into the advice he offered to Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) bowler Prince Yadav, which inadvertently led to Kohli's own dismissal during an IPL 2026 match. He emphasized that mentoring players is crucial for their development, as it can pave the way for them to represent India and uphold cricket's high standards.

Match Highlights and Kohli's Dismissal

In a thrilling encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 7, Prince Yadav dismissed Kohli with an impressive delivery that turned back sharply, resulting in Kohli being out for a two-ball duck. This performance contributed to LSG's narrow nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Yadav recounted that after their previous match, Kohli advised him to maintain a good length while bowling, particularly with movement outside off-stump. 'After the last match, I spoke with Virat bhaiya, and he told me to stick to that length as long as it’s moving,' Yadav mentioned.

Kohli's Perspective on Mentorship

During a discussion on the RCB Podcast, Kohli reflected on the importance of mentoring younger players, noting that no player remains in the game indefinitely. He stated, 'If players have the chance to learn and enhance their skills, it ultimately benefits everyone. When these players excel, they can represent India, ensuring the quality of cricket remains high.' Kohli acknowledged that while he had advised Yadav on bowling, he accepted that getting out was part of the game, despite the scrutiny from fans.

Building a Connection with Prince Yadav

Kohli recounted his first encounter with Prince Yadav during the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26 season, where he initially did not know him. He described Yadav as intense yet genuinely kind and humorous. Kohli mentioned that through fellow player Ishant Sharma, he developed a rapport with Yadav, providing guidance on bowling strategies and field placements. 'People might not realize this, but I didn't know Prince at all before. He seems intense on the field, but he's really a sweet and funny guy,' Kohli shared.

Maintaining High Standards in Cricket

Kohli stressed the necessity for players to assist one another in improving their skills to prevent a decline in cricket standards. He believes that guiding players to reach their full potential ultimately benefits Indian cricket. 'We must avoid a scenario where standards drop. Helping someone achieve their best will contribute positively to Indian cricket. That’s the progress I envision,' Kohli concluded.