Yuvraj Singh on Abhishek Sharma, Breaking His T20I Record

Yuvraj Singh Responds to Abhishek Sharma Record Comparisons

Question Posed on Sania Mirza’s Show

Yuvraj Singh was recently asked an interesting question about his protege. The inquiry came about how it felt to see achievements. Specifically, he was asked how it felt to see his protege Abhishek Sharma. Moreover, the question focused on Abhishek breaking some records. Additionally, some of his records in international cricket were broken by Abhishek. Furthermore, records in international cricket were broken by the young opener. The question came during tennis legend Sania Mirza’s YouTube show. The show is called ‘Serving it Up with Sania’ on her channel.

Yuvraj Clarifies Record Situation

Subsequently, the former cricketer pointed out something important immediately. He wanted to set the record straight clearly. Specifically, Abhishek has yet to break any records substantially. He emphasized that Abhishek has yet to break any of his substantial records. Most of Yuvraj’s major achievements remain intact currently. Only minor records have been surpassed so far.

Moreover, he also hilariously noted that comparisons are unfair. The two should not be compared directly at all. Their batting positions differ significantly making comparisons invalid. Yuvraj made this point with humor and good nature.

Different Batting Positions Make Comparison Unfair

Furthermore, Yuvraj emphasized that circumstances differ greatly between them. He explained since he was a middle-order batter specifically. Middle-order batsmen face different challenges from openers. Additionally, he didn’t have the luxury of certain advantages. Specifically, he couldn’t enjoy batting in the powerplay like Abhishek does. Being an opener, Abhishek has distinct advantages currently. Openers face fewer fielders outside the circle early.

One Minor Record Broken

Nevertheless, he acknowledged one record on the show honestly:

“Abhishek hasn’t broken any of my records. One record he’s broken. I scored 50 off 29 balls against Pakistan. He scored 50 off 22 or 23 balls. Ek record toda hai (He has broken just one record). I was a middle-order batsman; he’s an opener. Meri field saari bahar hai (The field is spread out for me).”

Indeed, Yuvraj Singh’s humorous response on Sania Mirza’s show ‘Serving it Up with Sania’ clarified that Abhishek Sharma has broken only one of his records—the fastest fifty—while emphasizing that direct comparisons are unfair since Yuvraj batted in the middle order against spread fields while Abhishek enjoys powerplay advantages as an opener.

Yuvraj’s Mentorship Philosophy Revealed

International Cricket Preparation as Main Goal

Furthermore, Yuvraj also opened up on his mentorship approach honestly. He shared what his thought process was initially with Abhishek. Specifically, this applied when he started mentoring Abhishek years ago. His guidance began several years before the debut. Moreover, he remarked that his main aim was clear. He wanted to get the swashbuckling batter ready properly. Preparation for international cricket was the ultimate objective always.

Lack of Mentorship in Yuvraj’s Own Career

Subsequently, the 44-year-old added his personal experiences shaped this:

“I didn’t have a mentor who had tasted international cricket to understand what it takes to be there. I had good seniors around me. By the time my relationship with Sachin became better, it almost took four-five years to get to know him and understand what he’s trying to tell you. Whatever I picked up from that is that the younger guys, when they’re coming from Ranji Trophy to the international level, they get stuck in between. I thought I could really contribute to that, mentally.”

Different Approaches for Shubman and Abhishek

Additionally, Yuvraj elaborated on his work with young players:

“When I worked with Abhishek or Shubman, Shubman was already playing for India. He was much smarter, more hardworking, and greater work ethic. Abhishek is someone we had to take him there. We had a four-year plan that if you do these things in four years, then with your talent, you could play for India. I’m not here to motivate you to play for IPL. IPL is great, Ranji Trophy is great, but I’m here for you to play for the country. Exactly in four years and three months, he played for India.”

Abhishek’s Recent Record-Breaking Performance

Meanwhile, notably, Abhishek recently slammed a remarkable innings against New Zealand. He scored a 14-ball half-century in the third T20I impressively. This happened in the ongoing five-match series against the Kiwis. The explosive knock showcased his aggressive intent perfectly. Moreover, it was the second-fastest T20I fifty achieved. This record applies by an Indian batter in history.

Nevertheless, Yuvraj tops the list among Indian batters still. He holds the record with his 12-ball half-century legendarily. The iconic innings came against England memorably at a major tournament. This happened at the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa. His six sixes in an over remains cricket’s most famous moment.

Indeed, Yuvraj Singh’s revelation that he mentored Abhishek Sharma with a four-year plan focused solely on international cricket preparation, not IPL success, proved successful when Abhishek debuted for India in exactly four years and three months, recently showcasing that guidance with a 14-ball fifty—the second-fastest by an Indian after Yuvraj’s own 12-ball record from the 2007 T20 World Cup.

“I Love Working with Younger Guys” – Yuvraj Singh Expresses Interest in Coaching an IPL Team

Sania Asks About Coaching Future

Subsequently, Sania Mirza asked Yuvraj Singh about his future plans. She inquired if he would be keen on new roles. Specifically, she asked about taking up a coaching position potentially. Alternatively, she mentioned an administrative role as another option. She noted that some of his former teammates have taken such paths. Many ex-cricketers now work in coaching or administration currently.

Family Remains Top Priority

Initially, he stated that his priority at the moment differs. Family takes precedence over career opportunities right now. Specifically, he wants to spend time with his children. His kids remain very young at this stage. Moreover, he wants to spend as much time as possible. Being present during their childhood is crucial for him. The father of two values these formative years deeply.

IPL Coaching Role Appeals

Nevertheless, however, Yuvraj mentioned that he would be willing. He remains open to considering certain opportunities selectively. Specifically, an IPL coaching stint could work for him. Alternatively, a mentorship role would also interest him greatly. The short-term commitment makes it feasible for his situation.

He said about the possibility:

“Right now, my kids are very young. I want to spend as much time with them as possible. It’s also a challenge for me because they’re in England. At the same time, I think something which is like a two-month, like an IPL tournament is kind of perfect for me because I love working with younger guys.”

Track Record of Successful Mentorship

Previously, apart from Abhishek Sharma, Yuvraj has mentored others. He worked with some of the other players successfully. His mentorship portfolio includes several rising stars currently. Specifically, players that Yuvraj has mentored include Shubman Gill notably. The current Indian vice-captain benefited from his guidance. Additionally, Prabhsimran Singh also received mentorship from him. The Punjab wicketkeeper-batter developed under Yuvraj’s watchful eye. His success rate with young talent speaks for itself.

Indeed, Yuvraj Singh’s expressed interest in IPL coaching or mentorship roles, citing the two-month tournament as “perfect” because he “loves working with younger guys,” makes sense given his successful track record mentoring players like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Prabhsimran Singh while balancing his priority of spending time with his young children in England.