Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh recently revealed a hilarious, endearing secret about his student, the young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma. The anecdote highlights Sharma's deep emotional connection with his cricket bats.
The revelation came after Sharma was named Player of the Series in the recent T20I series against Australia. Singh playfully exposed Sharma's possessiveness over his willows, much to the amusement of fans and Sharma himself. According to Singh, Sharma values his bats above almost everything else. Singh joked that one could take anything from Sharma, but never his bats.
Singh hilariously stated, "You can take anything from Abhishek Sharma, but nobody can take a bat from him. Ye mar jayega, pit jayega, ro dega par apna bat nahi dega (He will fight for it, even cry, but won't give away his bat)". He further added that Sharma would even conceal the true number of bats he owns, saying, "He will have 10 bats but he will still say, I only have two". Singh also laughingly accused Sharma of stealing his bats while never offering his own in return.
Abhishek Sharma has been in excellent form in T20Is since the beginning of 2025. His performance in the series against Australia earned him the Player of the Series award, solidifying his position as a key player in the Indian squad.
Sharma's connection with Yuvraj Singh goes back some time, with Singh mentoring the young cricketer and helping him hone his skills. Yuvraj Singh has played a significant role in shaping Sharma's career. He not only recognized Sharma's talent but also instilled discipline and focus in him. It was revealed that Yuvraj Singh helped him to leave his habits such as partying late at night and hanging out with female friends. Singh's guidance has been instrumental in Sharma's success.
Sharma's talent was evident early on, with his father Raj Kumar Sharma recalling an instance where Yuvraj Singh defended Sharma's batting abilities when coaches at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) only recognized him as a bowler. Yuvraj highlighted Sharma's impressive record of 24 centuries, showcasing his faith in the young player's potential.
Sharma's journey has been further shaped by insights from cricket legend Brian Lara, who advised him to take up golf to improve his bat swing. This combination of mentorship from Yuvraj Singh and guidance from Lara has contributed to Sharma's growth as a cricketer.
Suryakumar Yadav has also praised Sharma's camaraderie with Shubman Gill, noting their understanding and adaptability while batting together. He also added that they are learning the various aspects of handling different match circumstances in the shortest time.
Yuvraj Singh's humorous revelation about Abhishek Sharma's attachment to his bats provides a lighthearted glimpse into the personality of this emerging cricket star. It also highlights the close bond between a mentor and his protégé, showcasing the role of guidance and support in shaping a successful career.
