Virat Kohli said the advice he gave to Lucknow Super Giants pacer Prince Yadav helped the bowler dismiss him during an IPL 2026 match [1].
The incident highlights Kohli's willingness to prioritize the development of young Indian cricketers over his own personal match statistics. By sharing tactical insights with an opponent, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend demonstrated a mentorship role that extends beyond his own team.
The encounter occurred on May 7, 2026, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow [2]. During the game, Yadav bowled a delivery clocked at 140.4 kph [3], which resulted in Kohli being dismissed for a two-ball duck with zero runs [4]. The Lucknow Super Giants eventually won the match by nine runs [5].
Kohli said after the match that he wants younger players to grow within the sport. He suggested that the growth of the game depends on the success of the next generation—even if that progress comes at his expense during a live game.
"How can I not help?" Kohli said [6].
The veteran batter's approach to the game often involves high intensity, but this interaction showed a different side of his competitive nature. By offering technical tips to Yadav, Kohli provided the pacer with the confidence and strategy needed to take the wicket of one of the world's most established batsmen.
This gesture occurred in the high-pressure environment of the IPL, where individual performance is heavily scrutinized. Despite the result, Kohli said that helping youngsters find their footing in professional cricket is a necessary part of the sport's evolution.
“"How can I not help?"”
This interaction underscores a shift in the role of veteran athletes in the IPL, where the focus is increasingly on sustainable talent pipelines. By mentoring opponents, Kohli is contributing to the overall quality of Indian domestic bowling, which may benefit the national team's depth in the long term despite short-term losses for his franchise.
