Yuvraj Singh's Mentoring Philosophy: Shubman Gill vs. Abhishek Sharma
Former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh has provided fascinating insights into his role as a mentor to two of India's prominent batting talents, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. In a candid conversation, Yuvraj compared their journeys, acknowledging Gill's inherent advantages while detailing the structured approach that helped Sharma reach international cricket.
Different Paths to Success
Yuvraj Singh revealed that when he began working with both cricketers, Shubman Gill was already established in the Indian team. "Shubman was much smarter, more hardworking, with greater work ethics from the beginning," Yuvraj stated during an appearance on the YouTube show 'Serving It Up with Sania,' hosted by former tennis player Sania Mirza.
In contrast, Abhishek Sharma required more deliberate guidance. "Abhishek is someone we had to bring there," Yuvraj explained, emphasizing that Sharma's development followed a carefully crafted plan rather than immediate readiness.
The Four-Year Transformation Plan
Yuvraj Singh detailed his methodical approach with Abhishek Sharma, which involved a specific timeline for development. "I think we had something like a four-year plan: 'If you do these things in four years, then with your talent, you could play for India,'" Yuvraj recalled telling the young cricketer.
The former all-rounder made his priorities clear to Sharma from the outset. "I told him, 'I'm not here to motivate you to play in the IPL... I mean, the IPL is great, Ranji Trophy is great... but I am here for you to play for the country.'"
Remarkably, Sharma followed this guidance precisely. "For four years he did exactly what I told him, and in exactly four years and three months, he played for India," Yuvraj revealed with evident satisfaction.
Current Standing in Indian Cricket
The mentoring has yielded significant results in both cricketers' careers. Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a formidable T20I opener for India, establishing himself as a long-term prospect in the shortest format. His power-hitting capabilities have made him a batting mainstay, particularly notable given his surge ahead of childhood friend Shubman Gill in T20I selection.
While Gill was recently dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad, he remains India's ODI and Test captain, demonstrating his continued importance across formats. The contrasting trajectories highlight how different mentoring approaches can yield success through varied pathways.
Credit Where It's Due
Despite his significant role in their development, Yuvraj Singh humbly deflected credit for their achievements. "Definitely, for both Abhishek and Shubman, every time they perform, I feel proud," he acknowledged. "The major success of their stories has been their fathers. I have just been someone who could guide them to a place where I know what the challenges are."
Yuvraj expressed ongoing pride in all the cricketers he mentors. "Any guy I work with, whether it's Abhishek or Shubman or the next ones I'm working with, every time they perform at the domestic level or any level, I feel proud."
Personal Motivation for Mentoring
Yuvraj Singh's commitment to mentoring stems from his own early career experiences. "I didn't have a mentor, someone who had tasted international cricket, to understand what it takes to play at that level," he revealed about his formative years.
He described how his relationship with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took years to develop into a meaningful mentoring connection. "By the time my relationship with Sachin improved, it took almost four or five years to get to know him, understand what he was trying to explain about the game, and learn from him."
This experience shaped Yuvraj's current approach. "What I took from that is that when younger guys come from, say, Ranji Trophy to the international level, they can get stuck in between. I thought I could really contribute mentally to help make that transition," he explained.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Yuvraj Singh's mentoring represents a valuable contribution to Indian cricket's development pipeline. His insights reveal:
- Different cricketers require tailored mentoring approaches
- Structured planning can transform raw talent into international success
- Patience and clear communication are essential in player development
- Experienced players can bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket
The contrasting stories of Shubman Gill's natural readiness and Abhishek Sharma's methodical development under Yuvraj's guidance demonstrate how multiple pathways can lead to success in international cricket. As both cricketers continue their careers, Yuvraj Singh's mentoring philosophy continues to influence the next generation of Indian cricket talent.
