Yuvi paaji is my idol, I’ve always wanted to be like him: Abhishek Sharma

Emerging Indian star Abhishek Sharma revealed that he has always idolised Yuvraj Singh and further added that it was the all-rounder’s showing in the 2007 T20 World Cup that inspired him to take up the sport.

Abhishek hails from the same state as Yuvraj, Punjab. The left-hander made his Punjab debut at just the age of 16, back in 2017, and has shared the dressing room many a time with Yuvraj, who played professional cricket for Punjab till 2019. 

Post retirement, the 42-year-old has taken under his wing Abhishek, who he still continues to mentor in an unofficial capacity.

Speaking in the ‘Second Innings with Manjot Kalra’ podcast, Abhishek opened up on his admiration for Yuvraj.

“He [Yuvraj] has always been my idol,” Abhishek said in the podcast.

“In fact, I was inspired to take up the sport after the T20 World Cup win in 2007. I thought that I wanted to bat, bowl, and field like him. He has had a lot of influence on me. I just kept looking at him in the dressing room.”

Abhishek revealed how he still goes to Yuvraj when he is in need of guidance. He further added that he shares a very good bond with Yuvraj’s father, Yograj Singh, who is a renowned coach.

“Even now whenever there is some confusion or doubt in my mind, I talk to Yuvraj Singh. I feel like I will get the answers from him. He keeps in touch, even Yograj sir. I practice with Yograj sir and he keeps all the updates. I really enjoy practising with Yograj sir,” he added.

Abhishek made his T20I debut for India in Harare earlier this month. He began his career with a duck but responded sensationally by notching up a hundred in his very second innings.

Despite the ton, however, he was left out of the squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

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