Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder, continues to significantly impact Indian cricket by mentoring the next generation of stars. Among his proteges are Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have achieved considerable success on the international stage. While Yuvraj is known to be a supportive mentor, his approach involves rigorous guidance and high expectations.
Yuvraj's mother, Shabnam Singh, revealed in an interview that both Shubman and Abhishek are "petrified" of him because he closely monitors their performances and provides feedback. He watches their matches and calls them to discuss their gameplay. Yuvraj himself admitted to feeling nervous when he watches them bat, a role reversal from his playing days. He has invested considerable time in training and mentoring them since their early years.
While details of specific instances of Yuvraj "arguing" with one player and explicitly labeling another "four times more hardworking" are not available in the current news reports, the dynamic between Yuvraj and his mentees is clearly demanding yet nurturing. His strict mentorship likely stems from his deep emotional investment in their success.
Shubman Gill, in particular, is being groomed as a future leader in Indian cricket. He has already captained the national team in the T20 format, showcasing his technique, temperament, and consistency. Gill has been praised for his experience and effective partnerships, like the one he had with B Sai Sudharsan in IPL 2025. He is seen as a key fixture in India's white-ball squads. In 2025, Gill topped the Test run charts, leading a red-ball revival with a dominant year.
Abhishek Sharma has also 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 in India's plans for the shortest format. Both Gill and Abhishek have credited Yuvraj for their success in international cricket.
Beyond Shubman and Abhishek, Yuvraj has also started mentoring other young cricketers, including Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. Prabhsimran, who recently scored a century against Australia A, is being considered a strong contender for the Indian team, with his aggressive style being honed by Yuvraj. Priyansh Arya gained recognition after hitting six consecutive sixes in the Delhi Premier League.
Yuvraj has also encouraged Shubman and Abhishek to take up golf to ease the pressures of cricket and improve their overall development. He believes golf can help maintain focus, balance, and mental clarity, which are essential for consistency at the highest level.
