How Yuvraj Singh’s Mentorship Transforms Abhishek Sharma

Yuvraj Singh’s Mentorship Transforms Abhishek Sharma

Yuvraj Singh Influence

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been credited with reshaping the careers of young cricket stars Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill through tough mentorship and strict discipline.

Yuvraj’s father, Yograj Singh, recently shared details of how his son took charge of the duo’s lifestyles to ensure they stayed focused on cricket.

The revelations, made in interviews with Cricket Next and Curly Tales, have sparked widespread discussion about Yuvraj’s role in grooming India’s next generation of cricketers.

Yograj Singh described Abhishek Sharma’s early days as troubled by an “unruly lifestyle.” Late-night parties and frequent girlfriend meetups were distractions, according to Yograj.

Abhishek’s father struggled to manage him, prompting Yuvraj to step in. “Yuvraj said, ‘Lock him,’” Yograj recalled. Yuvraj enforced strict rules, including curfews and early wake-up calls.

In one instance, Yograj overheard Yuvraj scolding Abhishek over the phone. “Where are you? It’s 9 p.m., go to bed. I’m coming,” Yuvraj reportedly shouted, ensuring Abhishek complied. Yograj said Yuvraj instructed Abhishek’s father to wake him at 5 a.m. for training.

This disciplined approach wasn’t limited to Abhishek. Yograj revealed that Yuvraj applied similar methods to Shubman Gill, the Gujarat Titans captain. “This is exactly what happened with Shubman Gill,”

Yograj said. Both players, who rose through the ranks during the 2018 U19 World Cup, benefited from Yuvraj’s guidance. Yograj emphasized that without Yuvraj’s intervention, talents like Abhishek could have been “lost” to distractions.

“When a diamond lands in the hands of another diamond, it turns into a Kohinoor,” Yograj said, praising Yuvraj’s ability to polish raw talent.

Yuvraj Philosophy

Yuvraj’s mentorship extended beyond curfews. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he housed Abhishek and Shubman at his home in Chandigarh.

There, he personally oversaw their training, ensuring they stayed focused. “Yuvraj told me, ‘Dad, you won’t interfere,’” Yograj recalled, highlighting Yuvraj’s hands-on approach.

This period was crucial for both players, who later credited Yuvraj for their growth.

Abhishek, now 24, has emerged as a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

His 141-run knock off 55 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 set a record for the highest individual score by an Indian in the tournament’s history.

Yuvraj publicly praised Abhishek’s maturity, jokingly noting his decision to take singles on 98 and 99 to reach his century. Abhishek, in turn, thanked Yuvraj and India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for supporting him during tough times.

Shubman Gill, also mentored by Yuvraj, has established himself as a mainstay in India’s white-ball squads. He is seen as a future captain, having led the national T20 side.

Emotional Attachment

Yuvraj’s mother, Shabnam Singh, revealed that both Abhishek and Shubman are “petrified” of disappointing him. “He watches every game they play and calls them to discuss their performance,” she said in an interview with Curly Tales.

Yuvraj himself admitted to feeling nervous when watching the duo bat, a sign of his deep emotional investment.

Yograj’s comments have drawn attention to Yuvraj’s strict yet effective mentorship style. “If you can control his nightlife, he will turn out fine,” Yograj once advised Yuvraj about Abhishek.

Yuvraj took the advice seriously, even using playful threats like “getting hit by a chappal” to keep Abhishek in line. This lighthearted yet firm approach has become a hallmark of their bond, with Abhishek jokingly referencing the “chappal” threat in social media exchanges with Yuvraj.

The mentorship has paid off. Abhishek earned his maiden BCCI Central Contract in 2024 under Grade C, while Shubman is a regular in India’s lineup.

Both players are viewed as vital to India’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Yuvraj’s guidance has been instrumental in their rise, with Yograj calling Abhishek “another Yuvi” for world cricket. “I told Yuvraj, ‘You’ve given another Yuvi to the cricket fraternity,’” Yograj said proudly.

However, Yograj’s outspoken nature has stirred controversy in the past. He has made bold claims about other cricketers, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and criticized the Punjab Cricket Association for allegedly undermining Abhishek’s early career. Despite this, his recent remarks focus on Yuvraj’s transformative impact on Abhishek and Shubman.

Yuvraj, a two-time World Cup winner, retired from international cricket in 2017 but continues to shape Indian cricket off the field. His mentorship of Abhishek and Shubman highlights his commitment to nurturing talent. As both players shine in IPL 2025 and beyond, Yuvraj’s legacy as a mentor grows stronger.

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