'Was not consistent in the IPL and not even in the playing XI...': Abhishek Sharma reveals how Yuvraj Singh inspired him to aim beyond IPL 'to win games for India'

India's young batter Abhishek Sharma recalled how his mentor Yuvraj Singh inspired him and helped him to realise his potential during lockdown. Abhishek, who was awarded Player of the tournament in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025, revealed that there was a time when his performances weren't up to the mark, and he was seeing the likes of Shubman Gill and others go ahead.

Yuvraj Singh predicted Abhishek Sharma's future before

Abhishek candidly opened up about a tough phase in his career when inconsistent performances in the IPL left him out of the playing XI, while his peers like Shubman Gill had already started playing international cricket. This led to self-doubt and a feeling of being left behind. However, a conversation with his mentor, Yuvraj Singh, became a turning point. Abhishek said that he was having lunch with Yuvraj Singh and Gill when the World Cup-winning legend told him that he was getting him ready for the Indian team. The southpaw said that Yuvraj told him that he would be part of the Indian team in the next two to three years.

ALSO READ: IND vs WI 1st Test: After Bumrah and Siraj's fiery spells, Rahul's unbeaten half-century helps India finish Day 1 on strong note

ALSO READ: Mirabai Chanu clinches silver medal in 48kg division at World Weightlifting Championships 2025

"I am very grateful. During the lockdown, we would have camps at his place. Me, Shubman, Prabhsimran, Anmolpreet. Basically, I needed it. We were going on a flight and I asked him if we could have a camp for a few days. He told yes right away. I was struggling a bit at that time, honestly," said Abhishe in Breakfast with Champions.

"I was not consistent in the IPL and I was not even in the playing XI. Shubman was already playing for India. I started feeling that I was behind, as people from my age group were doing well already. We were having lunch at his place and paaji told me straight away that he was not preparing me for the state or the IPL or even to get a cap for India. He told me I am making you ready to win games for India. Write this, and it will happen in the next two to three years. After that camp, I realized my goal is something else," he added.

Abhishek Sharma's T20I career

Abhishek Sharma made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe under Shubman Gill's captaincy on July 06, 2024. The left-handed batter has featured in 24 T20Is where he amassed 849 runs with a highest score of 135, including two centuries and five fifties at an average of 36.91. Abhishek's last outings came in the Asia Cup 2025, where he was the highest run-getter with 314 runs in the seven outings of the tournament.

Abhishek Sharma's upcoming Assignment

Abhishek Sharma will now be seen in the action against Australia. India are scheduled to travel to Australia for the white ball series, where the Men in Blue will play a three-match ODI series, followed by a five-match T20I series. Consedaring past performances, the 25-year-old batter will be seen featuring in the T20Is and there are reports that he will also be the part of ODI squad as well.