Not Yuvraj Singh! Abhishek Sharma’s father reveals West Indies legend’s role for Test debut
Published - 11 Dec 2025, 03:52 PM
Abhishek Sharma’s father, Raj Kumar Sharma, stated that West Indies legend Brian Lara has taken 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 sees him as a genuine all-format prospect.
Lara is closely involved in Abhishek’s career development and regularly guides him for bigger challenges. Abhishek is already part of India’s T20I setup with 30 matches under his belt and is gearing up for his first World Cup appearance. However, the left-handed batter is still waiting for opportunities in the ODI side.
Brian Lara Speaks for Hours with Him Over the Phone - Abhishek Sharma’s Father
Raj Kumar Sharma said that Brian Lara believes Abhishek Sharma could play Test cricket. The West Indies great has been mentoring the youngster closely, often spending long phone calls discussing technique, mindset, and how to carry his natural attacking style into the red-ball format.
“Abhishek had his initial success in red ball cricket, and that’s what made him shine in white ball cricket. And Lara has also shared how he sees him as an all-format player. Lara speaks for hours with him over the phone, and he instructs him to play with the same style, 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 that Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor who continues to guide and correct the young batter even after his international debut.
Rajkumar said that Yuvraj doesn’t hesitate to call Abhishek out when he spots a mistake, and the youngster still has great respect for his mentor. He stated that this has played a big part in shaping Abhishek’s growth as a cricketer.
“Even now, when he thinks Abhishek has made a mistake, he will pick up the phone and call and scold him. And Abhishek is scared of him too,” Rajkumar said.
Abhishek Sharma Emerges as One of India’s Most Exciting Young Batters
Abhishek Sharma has become one of India’s most exciting young players since making his international debut. He first impressed while opening with Sanju Samson and later continued that momentum alongside Shubman Gill.
The left-handed batter played a crucial role in India’s 2025 Asia Cup victory. Sharma finished as the leading run-getter with 314 runs at an average of 44.86 and a strike rate of 200, helping India clinch yet another title.
He has 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 favourites for the T20 World Cup, he may not have to wait long for his next major trophy.
About the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
