Two decades ago, Yuvraj Singh was a 19-year-old navigating the pressures of international cricket on his own. Today, he’s the mentor he never had, guiding young stars like Abhishek Sharma with empathy
and experience.
“When I was 19, nobody understood the challenges I was facing,” Yuvraj reflects. “Now, when I see a 19 or 20-year-old, I know exactly what they’re going through.”
From battling his own insecurities to nurturing India’s next big talent, Yuvraj’s journey has come full circle.
“You have been looking at it for the last 8-9 months, but Abhishek has been working on his game for the last four to five years,” Yuvraj told PTI in an exclusive chat facilitated by the Laureus Foundation.
“At the beginning, it was more about sharing my experiences with him and Shubman (Gill) when I was on the verge of retirement.”
The 44-year-old admitted that coaching Abhishek has also helped him understand what mentorship truly means.
“I think working with Abhishek over the years has also kind of made me understand what you need to do as a coach or as a mentor. The work ethic that Abhishek has shown… it is the work of the last four to five years, and now the results are showing.”
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Abhishek and Shubman stayed at Yuvraj’s Chandigarh home, training under the two-time World Cup winner’s strict yet empathetic eye.
But Yuvi insists he’s nothing like his father, Yograj Singh, who was known for his tough-love approach.
“I am definitely nothing like Yograj Singh. My style of coaching is very different,” he said. “When you are coaching or mentoring someone, you need to be in their shoes and understand their mindset rather than telling them what to do. It has to be like a push and pull.”
He also credited Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav for giving Abhishek the backing to play fearless cricket.
“I think fearlessness also comes with support from the coach and captain. When they allow you to play your game freely, it gives you confidence — that’s where I come from as well.”
Drawing a comparison to his own peak years, Yuvraj recalled the time under Gary Kirsten, when India lifted the 2011 World Cup.
“When Gary was coach, he would always tell me that if I played my game, I’d put India in a winning position. Gautam and Suryakumar have told Abhishek the same — go play your game, and you’ll win us matches six out of ten times. That’s exactly what he’s doing.”
(with PTI inputs)
