Abhishek Sharma in IPL, Yuvraj Singh (In Circles) | Source: AFP Photos
Yuvraj Singh tipped Abhishek Sharma for IPL captaincy in order to be India’s potential leader in the future. Yuvraj made his backing for Abhishek clear while having a conversation with Cricbuzz.
In IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad made Ishan Kishan captain over Abhishek Sharma when Pat Cummins was unavailable. After that, there were reports that Abhishek was unhappy with SRH’s decision and might leave before the upcoming edition, seeking captaincy opportunities.
And now, Yuvraj gave his big vote of confidence in Abhishek’s leadership ambitions.
Yuvraj Singh Impressed By Abhishek Sharma’s Leadership Skills
While making a comment on whether Abhishek can be India’s captain in the future, Yuvraj admitted that it would be too early to see Abhishek in the role. At the same time, he highlighted how he has been helping rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on and off the field.
“Well, it’s too early to say whether he has the makings of a captain, but I feel he has all the qualities of a leader. I think he encourages the younger guys in state cricket as well. I love the way he encourages Sooryavanshi, puts his hand on his shoulder and motivates him. I think that’s a good sign of a senior leader, whatever you want to call it,” Yuvraj told Cricbuzz.
Furthermore, Yuvraj mentioned that his role as an IPL captain could open the door to becoming India’s next leader, a process that led to Shreyas Iyer becoming India’s T20I captain.
“If you want to captain India one day, I think it’s important to captain your IPL side. That gives you the kind of confidence you need to lead India. I’m sure time will tell whether he is capable of doing it. If it’s in his destiny, I’m sure he’ll get the opportunity. If not, then so be it. But I’m sure he’ll finish as a great white-ball player, whether he becomes captain or not,” he added.
Yuvraj Wants Abhishek Fast-Tracked Into India's ODI Setup
Moreover, Yuvraj made a strong pitch for Abhishek to be in India’s ODI set-up. Despite Abhishek breaking records in T20Is (71 matches so far), he is yet to play for India in ODIs.
However, the Indian legend highlighted that it won’t be too easy for Abhishek to get a chance in the 50-over setup too quickly, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still there.
“There are always areas to improve, and I think unless you give a player a chance, where is he going to showcase his talent? I understand that the situation is difficult right now because there is so much competition for places in the squad, along with some big names,” Yuvraj Singh said in the same interview.
"But look at Sooryavanshi. He was brilliant and made his own place in the T20 squad. If you feel that Abhishek is performing brilliantly at the moment, then somewhere you have to make a place for him to play 50-over cricket until the World Cup,” he concluded.
Abhishek, in all likelihood, will soon be in action when India and New Zealand play the fifth and final T20I on Sunday (November 1).
