Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Virat Kohli he explained why he continues to guide young cricketers, even when that advice works against him on the field. Speaking after RCB’s defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) In IPL 2026, Kohli reflected on his interaction with the emerging pacer Prince Yadavwhose brilliant delivery dismissed him for a two-ball duck in Lucknow.
The seasoned all-rounder made it clear that helping young players improve is more important than personal results as it strengthens Indian cricket in the long run.
Prince Yadav’s breakthrough moment against Virat Kohli
Shahzad produced one of the highlights of his young career during the IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 7. The LSG pacer hit a sharp shot from a good length that went inside Kohli and disturbed his stumps, leaving the RCB star unanswered.
The wicket proved crucial as Lucknow Super Giants went on to record a narrow nine-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-pressure contest. Interestingly, after the match Shahzade recently revealed that he had taken bowling advice from Kohli himself. According to the youngster, Kohli had encouraged him to consistently attack a good-length pitch outside the off-stump every time the ball moved. This advice paid off immediately, with Prince using this very technique to dismiss one of the greatest hitters in modern cricket.
“I was talking to Virat bhaiya after the last match and he just told me – as long as he moves on the length, stick to that length.” The prince said.
Kohli explains why he has no regrets
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli said he sees mentoring young players as part of his responsibility as a senior cricketer. He emphasized that no player stays in the game forever, experienced stars should pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Kohli admitted that many fans questioned why he would later help a bowler who got him out, but he brushed aside such reactions and described it as a natural part of the sport.
“You’re not going to be here forever. If people have the opportunity to learn and get better in their careers, who will it ultimately help? If all these guys are playing well, they’re playing for India at the end of the day. The standard of cricket remains high,” Kohli said during the RCB Podcast.
The former India captain praised Prince for playing a quality delivery and said he was really happy to see the youngster benefit from the guidance. Kohli also noted that when promising cricketers improve and eventually represent India, the overall standard of the national team also rises. For him, the bigger picture is more important than individual rivalries in franchise cricket.
“He hit me a nice ball. And I told him to play in those places. It’s good. You know, people are so attached to me that they feel like, ‘He gave me advice, but he couldn’t even save himself from going out.'” explained the former RCB captain.
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The bond was formed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Kohli later revealed that he met Prince for the first time during the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26 season. At first, he found the speed step on the court intense, but then he discovered that Prince was cheerful and humorous. Availability Ishant Sharma it also helped the two bond more comfortably. Kohli shared that he would regularly advise Prince on bowling plans, field placements and tactical decisions from positions such as middle and cover during domestic matches.
According to Kohli, such exchanges are necessary because experienced players have a responsibility to ensure that the standards of Indian cricket continue to rise rather than fall.
“That’s why people don’t know. I went and played Vijay Hazare. I didn’t know Prince at all. Because he’s, you know, very intense on the field. And he’s a very sweet guy. And he’s very funny. Because Ishant was there. And Ishant knows him. So I got very close to him. And he spoke to me very well even then. those Vijay Hazare games, standing and middle covers, whatever, what to do, where to bowl, you should share your experience. Kohli added.
Kohli said real progress lies in helping young cricketers become the best version of themselves. He believes that if talented players are properly guided at an early stage, Indian cricket will benefit immensely in the future. Although Prince’s wicket came at the expense of Kohli, the RCB veteran made it clear that he is proud to see the young Indian players evolve and succeed on the big stage.
“So you don’t want to see a situation tomorrow where the standards have gone down. If you can help someone reach their best potential, the best version of them will help Indian cricket. That’s the progress I see.” Kohli signed.
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