New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh may have retired from international cricket, but his impact on Indian cricket continues — this time from behind the scenes. Through the words of his mother, Shabnam Singh, the depth of his mentorship for two of India’s brightest young stars — Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma — has recently come to light.
In an interview, Shabnam revealed how closely Yuvraj stays connected to the progress of his protégés, despite their meteoric rise to the national stage. “He has these young kids — Shubman and Abhishek. He watches every game they play and calls them in the evening to discuss their performance. They are just petrified of him,” she said with a chuckle, emphasizing the strong influence he still holds over them.
While it may sound intense, this mentorship stems from a place of deep emotional investment. Yuvraj himself admitted that he becomes nervous watching the duo bat — a role reversal from his playing days. “My mom used to get nervous when I was at the crease. Now I get nervous when they are batting,” he confessed. “I’ve spent a lot of time with them when they were growing up — training, mentoring, and just being there.”
Both Gill and Abhishek are no longer seen as mere promising talents — they have become key fixtures in India’s white-ball squads. Shubman Gill, in particular, is being groomed as India’s future ODI captain and has already led the national team in the T20 format. His technique, temperament, and consistency have made him one of the pillars of India’s batting lineup.
Abhishek Sharma, too, has made a name for himself as a dynamic opener in the T20 setup. Known for his fearless stroke play and versatility, he has become a regular name in India’s plans for the shortest format.
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