Yuvraj Singh, the former India star, may not be a professional coach, but his mentoring has made a significant impact on young cricketers in Punjab. During the COVID-19 induced lockdown, Shubhman Gill, along with Abhishek Sharma, Anmolpreet Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh, had the opportunity to learn from Yuvraj through a month-long training camp. This experience proved to be a game-changer for them as it transformed their approach towards the game, resulting in improved performances. Gill, who is hailed as Virat Kohli’s potential successor, is now among the rising stars in world cricket. Abhishek Sharma also witnessed a positive change in his domestic as well as IPL performance after attending the camp.
The training sessions at Yuvraj’s residence were personalized and focused on various match situations, enabling the players to adapt and change their game-plan accordingly. Yuvraj worked extensively on their fitness and strength. Every morning, he handed out printed training schedules to each player, detailing their specific routines for the day. In the evenings, the players gathered in Yuvraj’s living room with a home theatre setup to watch their performance videos and engage in game analysis and discussion. This holistic approach to coaching had a profound impact on the players as they learnt how to decode match situations and make course corrections.
While Yuvraj’s coaching style was a mix of strictness and understanding, he ensured a healthy balance. Having learned his cricket under the guidance of tough taskmaster Yograj Singh, Yuvraj knew how to motivate and push his students while also providing support and encouragement. The camp was a remarkable experience for the young cricketers who got to see a different side of Yuvraj, who was not only their role model but also a mentor who shared his experiences and life lessons with them.
The impact of Yuvraj’s coaching camp on Shubhman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and other young cricketers in Punjab goes beyond the confined spaces of the training sessions. It has brought about a positive shift in their mindset and approach towards the game, leading to tangible improvements in their performances. Yuvraj’s contribution to their development as cricketers will always be remembered, and his camp will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring talent in the future.
