Yash Thakur Reveals Virat Kohli’s Advice During IPL 2026 Struggle

Yash Thakur reveals the advice Virat Kohli gave him during his IPL 2026 struggle after telling the former India captain that he was frustrated with not getting regular chances.

Kohli told the young Vidarbha fast bowler not to think too much about the future. He also told him to be grateful for the opportunities he had received and keep improving his preparation every day, so he would be ready whenever his next chance came.

Valuable Advice During a Difficult Phase

Yash Thakur was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹45 lakh in the players’ auction ahead of IPL 2023. He made his IPL debut on April 3, 2023, against Chennai Super Kings and became a regular in LSG’s playing XI during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

In IPL 2024, Thakur became the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul that season when he achieved the feat against Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The right-arm seamer appeared in 19 matches across those 2 editions, taking 24 wickets at an average below 29, but still found himself with limited opportunities.
Yash Thakur opened up about his conversation with Kohli, recalling, “I told him I was frustrated as I wasn’t getting to play regularly. So he advised me not to think too much about the future. He said it was just as important to feel grateful for whatever opportunities I have got so far, and that my preparation must improve day by day – so whenever I would get a chance to play, I shouldn’t feel I’m not ready. So I started working on [my preparation].”

Learning to Handle Pressure from Dhoni

Thakur also shared what he discussed with former Indian captain MS Dhoni. He said, “I told him (Dhoni) I felt nervous and under pressure, given I had never played in front of such huge crowds. So he told me I would keep feeling that way even in the future – whether at the IPL or whenever I play for India. His advice was to not overthink, and just let things sink in so that I could relax. This method continues to help me. The moment I feel any pressure, I take my time to settle.”
Thakur recently received his first national call-up for India’s T20I series in Zimbabwe. He made an immediate impression, taking 4 wickets in 2 matches at an average below 19 during India’s 3-0 series victory.

Yash Thakur praises KL Rahul

Yash Thakur spoke highly of KL Rahul, who was his captain during his first 2 IPL seasons with LSG in 2023 and 2024. Rahul captained LSG from 2022 to 2024, with the franchise reaching the playoffs in his first 2 seasons in charge.

Looking back at his first IPL season, Thakur said Rahul’s influence taught him the value of staying calm and clear. “Seeing [KL] Rahul bhaiya, who was our captain at LSG, I learnt about having clarity and calmness. He spoke to us in such a relaxed manner. Even if our plans didn’t come off, he never lost his cool. So those are important things I took back from my first year in the IPL.”

Thakur also spoke about how he unexpectedly got his IPL chance, adding, “I wasn’t expecting to be picked after going unsold at the mega auction in 2022. But I was grateful that I was eventually taken in 2023, and even got to play for LSG. Everything was new for me. I was just star-struck on seeing and sharing the dressing room with some top international players.”

Thakur is now preparing to play for Central Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026. His team will face East Zone in the semifinal, beginning August 30.

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