Not Yuvraj Singh! Abhishek Sharma’s father reveals West Indies legend’s role on Test debut
Abhishek Sharma’s father Raj Kumar Sharma says West Indies legend Brian Lara took a personal interest in his son, spending long phone sessions mentoring him. Sharma added that Lara believes the youngster’s early success in red-ball cricket is significant and considers him a genuine all-format prospect.
Lara is closely involved in Abhishek’s career development and regularly guides him to take on bigger challenges. Abhishek is already part of India’s T20I squad with 30 matches under his belt and is gearing up for his maiden World Cup appearance. However, the left-handed batter is still waiting for opportunities in the ODI side.
Brian Lara talks for hours with him on the phone – Abhishek Sharma’s father
Raj Kumar Sharma says Brian Lara thinks Abhishek Sharma could play Test cricket. The West Indian great mentored the youngster closely, often making lengthy phone calls to discuss technique, mindset and how to translate his natural attacking style into the red ball format.
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“Abhishek had his early success in red-ball cricket, and that’s what made him shine in white-ball cricket. And Lara also shared how he sees him as an all-format player. Lara speaks for hours with him on the phone, and he asks him to play with the same style, the same dominance, even against the red ball,” Abhishek’s father Raj Kumar Sharma told The Indian Express.
Yuvraj Singh will pick up the phone and scold him – Abhishek Sharma’s father
Abhishek Sharma’s father said Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor who continues to guide and correct the young batter even after his international debut.
Rajkumar said Yuvraj doesn’t hesitate to call Abhishek out when he spots a mistake, and the youngster always has great respect for his mentor. He said that this played a big role in Abhishek’s growth as a cricketer.
“Even now, when he thinks Abhishek has done a mistake, he picks up the phone, calls him and scolds him. And Abhishek is also afraid of him,” Rajkumar said.
Abhishek Sharma emerges as one of India’s most exciting young hitters
Abhishek Sharma has become one of the most exciting young Indian players since his international debut. He first impressed in the opener with Sanju Samson and later continued that momentum alongside Shubman Gill.
The left-handed batter played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 2025 Asia Cup. Sharma topped the runs with 314 runs at an average of 44.86 and a strike rate of 200, helping India clinch another title.
He scored over 1,000 runs at an average of 36.75 and an outstanding strike rate of 188.47, including two centuries. Abhishek scored a hundred in only his second match. Given his current form and India’s status as favorites for the T20 World Cup, he may not have to wait long for his next major trophy.
Also read: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set to be demoted from BCCI central contracts ahead of T20 World Cup
