Yuvraj Singh Guides Abhishek Sharma: A New Cricket Mentor

New Delhi, Nov 5 (PTI) Yuvraj Singh, once a young cricketer grappling with the pressures of international cricket, now finds himself in the role of a mentor to budding talents like Abhishek Sharma. At 44, Yuvraj reflects on the journey of mentoring Abhishek, who has been making waves in T20 Internationals with his striking prowess. "While you might have noticed Abhishek's growth over the past 8-9 months, his dedication to the game has been ongoing for four to five years," Yuvraj shared in an exclusive interaction facilitated by the Laureus Foundation. The transformation from sharing experiences with Abhishek and Shubman Gill at the twilight of his career to understanding the intricacies of coaching signifies Yuvraj's own evolution.

Over the years, Yuvraj’s guidance to Abhishek highlights how he has come to value the nuances of coaching and mentorship—something he felt was missing during his playing days. "Collaborating with Abhishek has educated me on the essentials of coaching and aiding talent growth. The performances we see now are a testament to his enduring work ethic and dedication," Yuvraj elaborated. It's known that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Abhishek and his close ally, Shubman, spent time at Yuvraj's Chandigarh residence, receiving mentorship from the two-time World Cup winner. However, Yuvraj is quick to clarify any comparisons with his father, the rigorous disciplinarian Yograj Singh. "I’m entirely different in my approach. My coaching involves stepping into their shoes to grasp their mindset instead of dictating," Yuvraj explained. "It's a dynamic process of giving and taking, crucial for understanding a 19-year-old’s mental state." Recalling his struggles with pressures at a young age, Yuvraj emphasized the importance of empathy in coaching. "At 19, I faced challenges that weren't understood. Therefore, it’s vital to listen and understand the mental hurdles they face." Since debuting as an Indian T20 opener, Abhishek has revolutionized India's batting strategy in the format. Yuvraj attributes Abhishek's fearless style to the supportive environment created by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. "With backing from the coach and captain, a player can express himself fully. It’s something I benefited from under Gary Kirsten’s mentorship," Yuvraj recollected, drawing parallels to his stellar performances during Kirsten’s tenure and especially during the 2011 World Cup. He concluded, "Gautam and Suryakumar have instilled in him the belief that playing his natural game positions India for victory, and that's precisely what we are witnessing."