'I’m nothing like my father- Yograj Singh': Yuvraj Singh opens up on mentorship

Former Indian explosive all-rounder Yuvraj Singh may not hold a coaching certificate, but his contributions to Indian cricket already place him among the game’s finest mentors. Players like Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, who have flourished under his informal guidance, stand as proof. Though Yuvraj never officially coached them, the two-time World Cup winner has been closely involved in their development since their early days — and the results speak for themselves. Today, Gill leads India in ODIs and Tests, while Abhishek has quickly risen to become the world’s No. 1 T20I batter.

Interestingly, Yuvraj’s philosophy as a mentor is a stark departure from that of his father, Yograj Singh. Known for his tough-love and strict training methods, Yograj’s approach contrasts sharply with Yuvraj’s empathetic and understanding style. In a recent interaction, Yuvraj opened up about how his way of mentoring comes from his own experiences as a young player.

“I am definitely nothing like Yograj Singh. I’m a very different person with a very different personality. My style of coaching is about understanding — stepping into the player’s shoes and recognizing what they’re going through instead of just instructing them. Coaching should be a give-and-take process — a push and pull. It’s important to understand the mindset of a 19-year-old,” Yuvraj explained.

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Stories of Yograj’s strictness with a young Yuvraj are well known. It’s said that he once threw away his son’s skating shoes, forcing him to focus on cricket instead. That decision set Yuvraj on a path to greatness — from winning the Under-19 World Cup in 2000 under Mohammad Kaif’s leadership to his iconic performances for India, including the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

Yet, Yuvraj’s own journey shaped a softer, more understanding approach to mentorship. “When I was 19, no one really understood the challenges I was facing,” he reflected. “So, when I see a 19- or 20-year-old today, I can relate to their struggles. For me, it’s about listening, understanding their mindset, and working with them — not dictating what they should do.”

Through this philosophy, Yuvraj Singh has quietly redefined what it means to coach — not through authority, but through empathy.