During a recent interview on JioStar, Abhishek Sharma revealed that a specific conversation with Yuvraj Singh during a lockdown training camp shifted his entire perspective on his career. Yuvraj told Abhishek that he wasn't just preparing him for the domestic circuit or the IPL. Instead, he said, he was grooming him to win big matches for India. The focus was on delivering "impactful innings" and performing with the ball when it matters most.
“Paaji directly told me, 'I am not preparing you for the state team, I am not preparing you for the IPL, and I am not preparing you just to handle things. I am preparing you to play for India. You have to win matches for India. Write this down and keep it. Next, next two, three years max.”, he added.
Abhishek noted this changed his perspective from feeling "delayed" compared to peers to having immense trust in his goals. Following low scores, Yuvraj advised him to "not change who you are" and to "keep backing your strengths".
Abhishek Sharma credits Yuvraj Singh for shaping his technique
Abhishek credited Yuvraj for shaping his "fearless" mindset and for instilling the necessity to "rotate your strike and take singles and learn to play according to the situation" to play for India. Yuvraj insisted that Abhishek identify his "hot zones." If the ball is in his arc, he has a "green light" to hit it for six, regardless of the score or the bowler's reputation.A key part of their training was removing the fear of getting out. Yuvraj told him,
"If you get out playing your natural game, I will back you. If you get out trying to hide or play defensively, that’s a problem.”
He coached Abhishek to use his stance and bat swing to put pressure back on the bowler immediately, a hallmark of Yuvraj's own legendary style.They spent hours on "base stability." Yuvraj worked on Abhishek's still head position and a strong foundation so he could hit through the line without losing balance.
