Virat Kohli has revealed that the guidance he shared with Prince Yadav played a direct role in the Lucknow Super Giants pacer dismissing him during an IPL 2026 encounter earlier in the season. Kohli, who was taken out for a two-ball duck, admitted that the discussion before that game mattered when the ball swung back from a good length and beat his bat.
The moment came in Lucknow’s nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Prince had struck Kohli early, turning a promising contest into a quick setback for the RCB batter. After that match, Prince explained that the wicket was the result of advice Kohli had given him during an earlier meeting between the two sides.
Prince said during his interaction with broadcasters: “After the last match, I was talking to him, and he told me that if the ball is doing something from a length, don’t leave it. So, I did that, and got the result.”
Later, speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli confirmed that the conversation indeed took place and also pointed to the importance of senior players supporting younger talent. “Yeah, he bowled a great ball to me, and I told him to bowl in those areas. It is fine,” Kohli said.
Kohli then explained how he came to know Prince well, adding that their relationship began during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He said he had often exchanged thoughts with him and encouraged the young fast bowler to keep learning. “I went and played Vijay Hazare [Trophy]. I didn’t know Prince at all. He is such a sweet guy, and he is so funny. I got very close to him, and he opened up very nicely to me,” Kohli said.
He added that their conversations were not just friendly, but also focused on cricketing details. “I was telling him, even through those Vijay Hazare Trophy games what to do and where to bowl. You have to share experience. You are not going to be here forever. If people have the opportunity to learn and get better in their careers, eventually they play for India and the standard of cricket remains high,” Kohli concluded.
The former India captain also disclosed that he had spoken with Mohammed Siraj ahead of RCB’s IPL match against Gujarat Titans this season. Kohli said the conversation helped him understand what to expect, especially around Siraj’s movement and rhythm as a bowler.
“Before playing Gujarat [Titans] in Bengaluru, I spoke to Siraj on the boundary. I told him my observations—how I saw him run in and how it was different from before. He spoke to me about rhythm. And we are playing them two days later… I should be able to play his best version. I want him to be at his best so I can compete with him. I am ready for everyone’s best version. If someone is struggling, it is an opportunity for me to help. That is how I look at it,” Kohli explained.
Kohli further addressed the idea of assisting players from rival franchises, framing it as part of a larger goal for Indian cricket. He referenced Yashasvi Jaiswal and suggested that even when matches are coming up, the long-term development of players should remain the priority.
Referring to Jaiswal, Kohli said: “You look at my situation. If Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches out to me before we have to play Rajasthan Royals, right? He’s probably looked up to me for a long period of time. Now I’m thinking, ‘He needs help’. Even though he’s going to play against us, it’s one game. But if he plays well for the whole season, eventually he’s going to play for India. So how can I not help him? He might score against us tomorrow or the day after. It’s okay.”
He added that there is still a balance between urgency and patience, since players can act on feedback in the build-up. “Despite Jaiswal scoring, we should find a way to win. Whatever it is, he might or might not. I’m not saying he would. There’s a possibility he might. So, I naturally can’t go into a space where I say, ‘He needs the help. Do it now.’ He’s going to practice two hours later. He’s probably called me on the way to the game once. So, I’m thinking it’ll help him in a way it can improve his game. He can score some runs, he can have a great season, it can open up things for him.”
