Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) legend Virat Kohli He explains why he continues to guide young cricketers, even when that advice works against them on the field. Speaking after RCB’s defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Ahead of IPL 2026, Kohli reflects on his interactions with the budding fast bowler Prince YadavWhose brilliant delivery got him out for a duck in two balls in Lucknow.
The veteran batsman made it clear that helping the young players improve is more important than individual results, as it ultimately strengthens Indian cricket in the long run.
Prince Yadav’s breakthrough moment against Virat Kohli
During the IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 7, Prince produced one of the standout moments of his young career. The LSG fast bowler bowled a fast ball of good length which went to Kohli and troubled his stumps, leaving the RCB star with no answer.
The wicket proved crucial as Lucknow Super Giants registered a narrow nine-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in a high-pressure encounter. Interestingly, after the match, Prince revealed that he had recently received bowling advice from Kohli himself. According to the youngster, Kohli had encouraged him to continuously attack the good-length region outside the off stump whenever the ball was turning. That advice came in handy and Prince used exactly the same method to dismiss one of the greatest batsmen of modern cricket.
“After the last match, I was talking to Virat bhaiya and he was the one who told me – as long as it is rotating at one length, stick to that length,” The Prince had said.
Kohli explains why he has no regrets
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli said that he sees it as part of his responsibility as a senior cricketer to mentor young players. He stressed that no player stays in the game forever and experienced stars should pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Kohli admitted that many fans questioned why he would help the bowler who later dismissed him, but he shrugged off such reactions and called it a natural part of the game.
“You’re not going to be here forever. And if people get the opportunity to learn and get better in their careers, who does it ultimately help? If all these people play well, ultimately they play for India. The standard of cricket remains high.” Kohli said during the RCB Podcast.
The former India captain praised Prince for delivering quality deliveries and said he was really happy to see the youngster benefiting from the guidance. Kohli also pointed out that when promising cricketers improve and eventually represent India, the overall standard of the national team also increases. For him, the bigger picture matters more than personal rivalries in franchise cricket.
“He bowled me very well. And I told him to bowl in those areas. It’s fine. You know, because people are so attached to me, they feel like,’ he advised, but he also couldn’t save himself from getting out. The former RCB captain explained.
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The bond was formed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Kohli further revealed that his first meeting with Prince was during the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26 season. Initially, he found the fast bowler to be intense on the field, but later learned that the Prince was cheerful and humorous off the field. presence of Ishant Sharma This also helped both of them connect more comfortably. Kohli shared that during home matches, he would regularly advise Prince about bowling plans, field placements and tactical decisions from positions like mid-off and cover.
According to Kohli, such exchanges are necessary as it is the duty of the experienced players to ensure that the level of Indian cricket continues to rise rather than fall.
“So people don’t know. I went and played at Vijay Hazare. I didn’t know Prince at all. So because you know, he feels like he’s very intense on the field. And he’s a very sweet guy. And he’s very funny. Because Ishant was there too. And Ishant knows him. So I got very close to him. And he really opened up to me very well. So I was telling him at that time too, you know, during those Vijay Hazare games. Also, standing up and mid-off cover, whatever, what to do, where to bowl, you have to share the experience.” Added Kohli.
Kohli concluded by saying that true progress lies in helping young cricketers become the best version of themselves. He believes that when talented players get proper guidance in the early stages, Indian cricket benefits massively in the future. Even though Prince’s wicket came at the cost of Kohli, the RCB legend made it clear that he takes pride in seeing young Indian players develop and succeed on the big stage.
“So you don’t want to see a situation where standards are falling tomorrow. If you can help someone reach the best of their potential, the best version of themselves will ultimately help Indian cricket. That’s the progress I see.” Kohli signed.
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