Imagine being a young cricketer with the world at your feet—talent in spades, fame knocking, but distractions like late-night parties and fleeting romances threatening to derail your dreams. Now picture a cricketing legend stepping in, not just as a coach, but as a mentor who locks you into discipline, polishes your raw talent, and sets you on a path to greatness. That’s the story of Yuvraj Singh and his transformative impact on Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, two of Indian cricket’s brightest stars. In a recent podcast, Yuvraj’s father, Yograj Singh, spilled the beans on how Yuvraj’s no-nonsense mentorship turned these “wild horses” into “Kohinoors” of the game. Let’s dive into this inspiring tale of grit, guidance, and glory.
Yuvraj Singh: The Mentor Behind the Magic
Yuvraj Singh isn’t just a name; he’s a legacy. The man who smashed six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup and battled cancer to return triumphant has always been larger than life. But beyond the boundary ropes, Yuvraj’s true superpower lies in spotting potential and shaping it with a blend of tough love and unwavering belief. His mentorship of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill—two Punjab prodigies now lighting up the IPL and international cricket—is a masterclass in how to nurture talent in a high-pressure sport like cricket.
Yograj Singh, himself a former cricketer and coach, recently shared a glimpse into Yuvraj’s mentorship style on a podcast. He painted a vivid picture of Yuvraj taking charge when Abhishek’s father struggled to tame the young batter’s flamboyant lifestyle. “Abhishek was caught up in parties, staying out late, and losing focus,” Yograj recalled. “Yuvraj stepped in like a big brother, setting strict rules—no late nights, no distractions, just cricket.”
Yuvraj’s approach was as intense as his on-field persona. Yograj chuckled as he described Yuvraj’s late-night calls to Abhishek, demanding he be in bed by 9 p.m. and up at 5 a.m. for training. “He’d say, ‘I’m coming to check on you,’ and that was enough to keep Abhishek in line,” Yograj said. Shubman Gill, another rising star, got the same treatment. “Yuvraj saw diamonds in both of them,” Yograj added. “He knew talent alone wouldn’t cut it—they needed discipline to shine.”
Abhishek Sharma: From Party Boy to T20 Powerhouse
Abhishek Sharma’s journey from a carefree teenager to a T20 sensation is a testament to Yuvraj’s guidance. The 24-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter, now a regular in India’s T20I squad, has become a household name thanks to his explosive batting and newfound maturity. But rewind a few years, and Abhishek was more known for his off-field antics than his on-field exploits. Enter Yuvraj Singh, who saw a spark in the left-hander during Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) age-group tournaments and decided to shape him into a star.
Fun fact: the PCA initially pegged Abhishek as a bowler, but Yuvraj had other ideas. “They told me he’s a bowler,” Yograj recalled Yuvraj saying. “But Yuvraj saw a batsman—a left-hander with power and flair.” Under Yuvraj’s watchful eye, Abhishek transformed into a destructive opener. His 2024 IPL season was a game-changer, with 484 runs at a blistering strike rate of over 204, including a record 42 sixes. Fast forward to IPL 2025, and Abhishek smashed 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings, with 14 fours and 10 sixes, cementing his status as a T20 superstar.
Yuvraj’s influence went beyond technique. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he took Abhishek and Shubman under his roof in Chandigarh, enforcing a military-style routine. “Yuvraj kept their shoes in his hands so they couldn’t sneak out,” Yograj quipped, highlighting the lengths he went to keep them focused. The result? Abhishek earned a BCCI Central Contract (Grade C) for 2024-25 and notched two T20I centuries in just 17 matches for India. Talk about a glow-up!
Shubman Gill: The Making of a Future Captain
If Abhishek is the fire, Shubman Gill is the ice—calm, composed, and destined for leadership. The 25-year-old Gujarat Titans captain, who led India to the 2018 U19 World Cup title, is now a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup across formats. But even a talent like Shubman needed guidance to reach his full potential, and Yuvraj was there to provide it. During the lockdown, Yuvraj’s Chandigarh training camp became a crucible for both Shubman and Abhishek, forging their skills and mindsets.
“Yuvraj treated them like his own kids,” Yograj said. “He wanted to make them world-class, and he did.” Shubman’s elegant strokeplay and cool-headedness reflect the discipline Yuvraj instilled. From scoring a double century in ODIs to captaining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, Shubman’s rise has been meteoric. Yuvraj’s mother, Shabnam Singh, recently shared a heartwarming tidbit with Curly Tales: both Shubman and Abhishek are “petrified” of letting Yuvraj down. “He watches every game they play and calls them to discuss their shots,” she said. “They’re nervous when he’s watching, but it pushes them to perform.”
The Kohinoor Effect: Yuvraj’s Secret Sauce
Yograj’s metaphor for Yuvraj’s mentorship is pure gold: “When a diamond lands in the hands of another diamond, it becomes a Kohinoor.” It’s a poetic way to describe how Yuvraj transformed raw talent into something extraordinary. Without his intervention, Yograj believes, Abhishek and Shubman could have joined the countless Indian cricketers lost to distractions. “Talent is common in India, but guidance is rare,” he said. “Yuvraj gave them the roadmap to success.”
What’s Yuvraj’s secret? It’s a mix of authority and empathy. He’s tough—publicly calling out Abhishek for a run-out in a 2024 T20I against Bangladesh—but also supportive, as seen in his playful tweet about Abhishek’s IPL 2025 ton: “A single on 98 and 99? Can’t fathom such maturity!” This balance has built not just skills but also resilience in his protégés. Yuvraj’s own journey—overcoming cancer, battling criticism, and defying odds—gives him a unique perspective to guide young players through the pressures of fame.
Why This Matters for Indian Cricket’s Future
Yuvraj’s mentorship isn’t just about two players; it’s about the future of Indian cricket. As the team gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Abhishek’s explosive opening and Shubman’s leadership will be crucial. Yuvraj’s fingerprints are all over their success, proving that his contributions extend far beyond his playing days. His work with other young players, like Arjun Tendulkar, and his recent exploits in the International Masters League (IML) 2025—where he smashed seven sixes against Australia—show he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
The story of Yuvraj reining in Abhishek’s nightlife or scolding Shubman for late hours is more than a juicy anecdote. It’s a reminder that elite sport demands sacrifice, focus, and a mentor who cares enough to say “no.” In a country where cricket is a religion, Yuvraj is not just a hero but a sculptor, carving out the next generation of champions. As Abhishek and Shubman continue to dazzle, they carry forward Yuvraj’s legacy—one boundary, one century, one Kohinoor at a time.