Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recalled how mentor Yuvraj Singh lifted his morale when he was struggling to rise through the ranks at the top level. Sharma was not coming up with consistent performances and thus could not even get his chances in the Indian Premier League.

However, the left-hander revealed Yuvraj kept him on the right track and motivated him to trust the process. Yuvraj told Abhishek that he would be playing for India in the next two-three years and the former all-rounder’s prediction came true.

Abhishek was the star of the show in the Asia Cup, amassing 314 runs in seven games at a blistering strike rate of 200.

Abhishek Sharma told Breakfast with Champions, “At that time, I was, to be very honest, struggling a bit. I wasn’t consistent even in the IPL, and I wasn’t even in the team’s playing eleven. Shubman was already playing for India. I used to tell myself that, yeah, I’m a little delayed, I’ve fallen behind—all those ahead of me in the group, I mean, the captain was already there and I was a performer too, so I was a little late.”

“Then, when Paji called me home, Shubman and I were sitting with Paji, having lunch. Paji directly told me, “I am not preparing you for the state team, I am not preparing you for the IPL, I am not preparing you just to handle things. I am preparing you to play for India. You have to win matches for India. Write this down and keep it.” And he said, “Next, next two, three years max, I” said Abhishek.

The youngster revealed Yuvraj’s words motivated him and changed his mindset for the good.

“I mean, this was from the person I had idolized. If he’s saying this, it means he has so much belief and trust in me. I thought to myself, yeah, this is something. After the camp, I felt that my goal is something else. I am being prepared for something bigger—to perform and lead innings for India. And that’s exactly what I will do, and I will achieve it,” said Abhishek.

Abhishek was awarded Player of the tournament in the Asia Cup.