When Yuvraj Singh posted a playful birthday video for Abhishek Sharma on September 4, gently chiding him to "take singles," little did anyone know that the young protégé would soon demonstrate the perfect blend of aggressive batting and smart cricket. Abhishek's spectacular 54-ball 135 against England at the Wankhede Stadium not only showcased his six-hitting prowess but also revealed the evolution of a more complete batsman.
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The Mentor's Touch
Behind Abhishek's transformation lies the unwavering guidance of his mentor, Yuvraj Singh. Their relationship goes beyond the conventional coach-player dynamic, with daily hour-long conversations and a comprehensive development plan that extends beyond cricket. As Abhishek's father, Raj Kumar Sharma, reveals, "Yuvraj has taught him how to walk. He has always looked after his training, calling him to Mohali, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, or Mumbai, wherever he was."
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The Making of a Complete Batsman
The journey from being a six-hitting enthusiast to a mature batsman wasn't straightforward. Abhishek's natural instinct, as he often told Yuvraj, was simple: "Paaji, when I see the ball, I feel I can hit it for a six or a four every time. And when I can hit a ball for six, why bother running?" However, Yuvraj's persistence in emphasizing the importance of strike rotation and situational awareness has gradually shaped Abhishek's approach to batting.
This evolution was evident in his record-breaking innings against England, where amidst the 13 sixes (the most by an Indian in T20Is), he also intelligently accumulated 19 singles and ran five twos. The innings perfectly embodied Yuvraj's message about building an innings: "Go hard but be sensible."
The Disciplined Route to Success
The foundation of Abhishek's success lies in a rigorous training routine established during the lockdown by Yuvraj Singh. This schedule, which he still follows religiously, begins at 4 AM and includes:
Meditation and yoga
Swimming
Gym sessions
Batting practice
Bowling practice
Fielding drills
Technical Evolution and Innovation
In recent years, Abhishek has made several technical adjustments that have enhanced his batting prowess:
Modified grip
Adopted an open shoulder stance for better leg-side dominance
Realigned his front foot for improved lofting
Developed new scoring areas square of the wicket
Enhanced his bat swing through golf training
The Golf Connection
One of the most interesting aspects of Abhishek's development has been the influence of golf on his cricket. This connection was first established by Brian Lara during Abhishek's time at Sunrisers Hyderabad. Recognizing the young batsman's passion for hitting sixes, Lara introduced him to golf, believing it would improve his bat swing. This practice continued under Yuvraj's guidance in Chandigarh, contributing significantly to Abhishek's power-hitting ability.
Professional Growth and Recognition
The results of this comprehensive development approach are now visible. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has praised Abhishek's batting, particularly noting his effortless bat swing and power generation despite his modest physical size. "He has all the shots. He generates an incredible amount of power. It may not be too visible – he is not a big guy – but he has such sweet timing," Tendulkar observed during a Star Sports interaction.
Beyond Cricket
Yuvraj's mentorship extends beyond the cricket field. He has invested time in developing Abhishek's:
Communication skills
Driving abilities
Golf skills
Overall personality development
