Yash Thakur, the Indian pacer currently with Punjab Kings, has shared insights into the valuable advice he received from star batter Virat Kohli during a challenging period in his IPL career. Thakur, who joined Punjab Kings in 2025 after a stint with Lucknow Super Giants, has faced limited opportunities this season. In the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons with LSG, he showcased his talent by playing 19 matches and taking 24 wickets. However, at Punjab Kings, Thakur has only featured in three matches so far, largely due to the competition from established bowlers such as Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Xavier Bartlett.
The 27-year-old also revealed that Chennai Super Kings icon and former India captain MS Dhoni offered him valuable guidance when he was struggling with nerves during the IPL. His advice was to not overthink, and just let things sink in so that I could relax.
“I told him I was frustrated as I wasn’t getting to play regularly. 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],” Thakur said on ESPNCricinfo . “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. The moment I feel any pressure, I take my time to settle,” he said.
So he advised me not to think too much about the future. This method continues to help me.
