Virat Kohli Shares Insights on Mentoring Young Bowlers in IPL
Kohli's Guidance to Prince Yadav
In a recent match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Virat Kohli reflected on his advice to Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) bowler Prince Yadav, which ironically led to Kohli's own dismissal. Kohli emphasized that mentoring players is crucial for their development, as it can pave the way for them to represent India and uphold the quality of cricket.
During the match held on May 7 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Yadav dismissed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star with an impressive delivery that turned back sharply, resulting in Kohli being out for a two-ball duck and contributing to LSG's narrow nine-run victory.
After the game, Yadav shared that Kohli had advised him to maintain a good length while bowling, particularly focusing on movement outside off-stump. "Virat bhaiya told me to stick to that length as long as it’s moving around off a length," Yadav recounted.
On the RCB Podcast, Kohli mentioned the importance of helping younger players, noting that no player remains in the game forever. 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 standard of cricket remains high."
Kohli acknowledged that Yadav bowled exceptionally well, and he had indeed suggested that area for bowling. He expressed that while some fans might question his advice after getting out, he views it as part of the sport. "He bowled a great ball to me. I told him to bowl in those areas. It’s fine. People feel connected to me and think, 'He gave advice but got out,' but that’s just how the game works," Kohli explained.
Kohli first encountered 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 sweet and humorous. Kohli mentioned that through Ishant Sharma, he developed a rapport with Yadav, offering guidance on bowling strategies and field placements, emphasizing the importance of experienced players sharing their knowledge.
"People don’t realize that I played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy without knowing Prince. He seems intense on the field, but he’s actually a sweet and funny guy. Ishant was there too, and I got close to him, sharing advice on what to do during matches," Kohli added.
Kohli reiterated the necessity for players to assist one another in improving their skills to maintain the overall quality of cricket. He believes that guiding someone to reach their full potential ultimately benefits Indian cricket, which he views as a significant advancement.
"We don’t want to see a decline in standards. If you can help someone achieve their best, that will ultimately contribute positively to Indian cricket. That’s the progress I envision," Kohli concluded.