Yuvraj Singh on Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, When it comes to the future of Indian cricket, few names shine brighter than Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. The two young guns—both products of India’s successful 2018 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad—have quickly evolved into essential components of modern Indian cricket. Their partnership, both on and off the field, reflects the changing landscape of Indian talent development, especially under the watchful mentorship of one of India’s most charismatic legends, Yuvraj Singh.
In a recent candid chat with Kevin Pietersen, Yuvraj opened up about his experiences training and guiding both Gill and Abhishek. His reflections went far beyond technical cricketing discussions, offering rare insight into the mindset, discipline, and Shubman Gill work ethic that separates elite performers from the rest. Alongside that, Yuvraj also highlighted the human side of both players, revealing what truly drives two of India’s most exciting modern cricketing stars.
From Junior Stars to International Heroes
Back in 2018, when India clinched the Under-19 World Cup under the leadership of Prithvi Shaw, a star-studded team included potential match-winners like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh. Gill’s silky touch and calm composure were visible even then, while Abhishek’s explosive stroke play hinted at a fearless mentality.
Fast forward to today—Gill wears the captain’s armband for India in ODIs and Tests, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Meanwhile, Abhishek has become one of India’s most destructive T20 openers, redefining what it means to start an innings in the shortest format.
Both players may have walked different paths, but they’ve reached similar heights. And standing silently behind their rise is a man who knows what it takes to perform on the biggest stage—Yuvraj Singh.
A Mentor, Not a Coach: Yuvraj’s Role Behind Their Growth
Interestingly, Yuvraj never officially coached either of them. But his influence, it turns out, was huge. As Yuvraj recalls, “I started working with these guys just before Covid.” That statement alone reveals how involved he’s been in helping the duo transition from raw teenagers to global professionals.
He noticed something immediately in Gill: a distinct sense of discipline. “I could feel Shubman was up a notch, one step ahead,” Yuvraj admitted. “He had already played for India, and I could see that he was four times more hardworking than the average cricketer.”
Think about that for a second—four times. That’s not just talent talking; that’s hunger, that’s obsession, that’s the mark of a champion.
Shubman Gill: The Perfectionist With a Plan
Gill’s game has often been described as effortless, almost textbook. But what appears effortless on TV is a result of relentless repetition behind the scenes. Every movement, every adjustment, every decision at the crease has been refined through hours of study and grind.
Gill doesn’t just react to bowlers; he reads them. He’s a student of the game—one who experiments, adapts, and learns constantly. That’s exactly what made Yuvraj so impressed with him. “Every time I told him something, he would happily adapt it into his batting,” Yuvraj said.
With each passing season, Gill’s performances in Test matches and ODIs have shown that he plays the long game—much like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before him. He values consistency over flamboyance, ensuring that his natural elegance translates into steady runs.
Abhishek Sharma: The Daredevil of Modern Cricket
In contrast to Gill’s calm, Abhishek Sharma embodies aggression and flair. His batting is all fireworks and flair—an explosive blend of confidence and raw power. Watching him is like watching a storm—unpredictable, thrilling, and slightly dangerous.
Yuvraj, however, took it upon himself to channel that energy. He recalls telling Abhishek something simple yet profound: “If you follow this process for four years, you’ll play for India.” It sounded like a prophecy, and sure enough, four years and three months later, Abhishek made his international debut.
That says it all about Abhishek’s conviction. He trusted the process, a term often overused in sports but absolutely vital in this case. He didn’t chase IPL contracts or social media fame; he focused on preparation. And when the moment came, he was ready.
Work Ethic and Mindset: The Real Difference
Yuvraj Singh on Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, If we take Yuvraj’s words at face value, the key difference between Gill and Abhishek lies not in talent—but attitude.
Gill’s strength? Relentless work ethic and patience.
Abhishek’s edge? Natural flair and instinctive fearlessness.
Yuvraj describes Gill as “four times more hardworking” than most cricketers, and that shows in his maturity at the crease. Abhishek, meanwhile, is the embodiment of the fearless, data-driven, short-format generation—a player who trusts his instincts over textbook technique.
So, who’s better? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for—a reliable architect of innings, or a game-changing demolition expert?
Yuvraj Singh’s Old-School Ideals vs The New-Gen Aggression
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Despite mentoring both, Yuvraj admits he doesn’t always agree with today’s power-hitting culture. He belongs to an era where a 25-ball fifty was considered outrageous. Today, it’s almost standard fare.
He chuckled while admitting that he’s had “a lot of arguments” with Abhishek over approach. “I don’t mind going after bowling,” Yuvraj said, “but nowadays, players don’t put a price on their wicket.”
His point? In modern-day cricket, fearlessness sometimes crosses into recklessness. Players step out to 150 kmph deliveries without blinking—something unthinkable twenty years ago.
And while that same fearlessness is what makes Abhishek such a thrilling watch, it also makes him prone to inconsistency.
Consistency vs Impact: The Eternal Debate
Cricket’s modern mantra has shifted: it’s not just about scoring runs, it’s about impact. The T20 generation believes that a quickfire 50 off 20 balls is as valuable as a traditional century. Yuvraj acknowledges this but adds a twist—“If you want to be consistent, either create impact or score a hundred.”
For him, the game still needs balance. Spectacular hitting is great, but longevity and adaptability matter more for those seeking greatness. That’s why, in his view, Gill’s consistency stands out. He takes time, reads the pitch, and builds his innings methodically—a throwback to cricket’s golden era.
Abhishek, however, thrives on immediacy—his natural high-risk, high-reward game is built for modern cricket. He symbolizes evolution, not tradition.
A Generational Clash or a Natural Transition?
What we see is more than just a difference in two players—it’s the reflection of cricket’s evolution. When Yuvraj talks about respecting one’s wicket, he speaks from the mindset of someone who had to fight his way through 50-over formats, where pacing mattered.
But today’s generation? They’ve grown up watching the IPL, where margins for error are smaller and rewards for aggression are bigger. The pace of cricket has changed, and so have the players.
Maybe that’s the beauty of it—it’s not a clash, but a continuation. Yuvraj handed them wisdom, and they’re adapting it to a new reality.
Mutual Respect: More Than Just Mentor and Students
Despite occasional disagreements, the bond between Yuvraj, Gill, and Abhishek is deep-rooted in trust. Abhishek often credits Yuvraj for shaping his mindset and technical foundation, while Gill looks up to him as an older brother who understands the pressures of representing India.
Their relationships reflect what mentorship in sport should look like—a blend of discipline, debate, and belief. Yuvraj doesn’t micromanage; he guides, corrects, and occasionally provokes, pushing them to find their own answers.
What Lies Ahead for Gill and Abhishek
As cricket transitions into a new era defined by data analytics, franchise leagues, and shorter formats, both Gill and Abhishek Sharma carry India’s batting hopes into different landscapes.
Gill looks set to become India’s next all-format batting stalwart—patient, balanced, and technically flawless. He has the temperament to handle captaincy, pressure, and expectations at the same time.
Abhishek, on the other hand, could redefine the template for the Indian T20 opener. If he adds more consistency to his aggression, he might just become the next global poster boy for Indian power hitting—something akin to what Yuvraj himself embodied in 2007.
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Yuvraj Singh on Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, Yuvraj Singh’s mentorship of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma isn’t just a story about cricket—it’s about evolution, resilience, and the beauty of generational learning. Gill represents structure and discipline; Abhishek symbolizes innovation and freedom. Together, they frame the perfect modern cricketing dichotomy—order and chaos, united under one cricketing dream.
As Yuvraj said it best: “If you follow the process, results will show.”
Clearly, for Gill and Abhishek, that prophecy has already come true.
