How Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara Helped Shape Abhishek Sharma’s Batting Technique

Feb 4, 2025

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Yuvraj Singh refined Abhishek Sharma’s batting technique, while Brian Lara introduced him to golf to improve his bat swing. Learn how these legends mentored the rising star.

How Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara Helped Shape Abhishek Sharma’s Batting Technique

Young Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma has been making waves with his aggressive yet stylish batting, and much of his recent success can be credited to the mentorship of two cricketing greats—Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara. While Yuvraj played a crucial role in refining Abhishek’s batting technique and mental approach, Lara introduced him to golf as a unique method to improve his bat swing. This combination of guidance has significantly transformed Abhishek’s game, allowing him to flourish as a top-order batsman.

Yuvraj Singh’s Influence: Refining Technique and Mental Toughness

Abhishek Sharma shares a deep connection with former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, having trained under him extensively. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Abhishek spent months practicing with Yuvraj, who worked on several key aspects of his batting:

  1. Correcting His Stance & Power Hitting

    • Yuvraj emphasized the importance of a more upright stance to allow Abhishek to generate greater power in his shots.
    • He focused on Abhishek’s ability to play spin and pace with equal confidence, making him a more adaptable batsman.
    • The duo worked on expanding Abhishek’s range of shots, particularly power hitting over the off-side, an area where Yuvraj himself excelled.
  2. Strike Rotation and Shot Selection

    • One of the biggest lessons Yuvraj imparted was the balance between aggressive shots and strike rotation.
    • Abhishek was encouraged to keep the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike, rather than just relying on boundaries.
    • This helped him develop a more mature batting approach, making him effective across different match situations.
  3. Building Confidence and Composure

    • Beyond technical improvements, Yuvraj played a vital role in mentally preparing Abhishek for high-pressure situations.
    • He constantly reminded him that confidence and self-belief were key to playing fearless cricket, something Yuvraj himself displayed throughout his career.

Brian Lara’s Unconventional Approach: Using Golf to Improve Bat Swing

During his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Abhishek had the privilege of being coached by the legendary Brian Lara. Lara, known for his elegant stroke play, saw raw potential in Abhishek and wanted to refine his bat swing to make it more fluid and effective.

  1. Introducing Golf to Improve Bat Swing

    • Lara suggested that Abhishek take up golf as a way to improve his bat swing and timing.
    • The motion of swinging a golf club, especially the follow-through, helps a cricketer develop a more controlled yet powerful bat movement.
    • This technique allows for a better connection between bat and ball, reducing mistimed shots.
  2. Perfecting Hand-Eye Coordination

    • Lara emphasized that playing golf would fine-tune Abhishek’s hand-eye coordination, an essential skill for a top-order batsman.
    • The repetitive nature of golf swings helps in muscle memory development, ensuring consistency in shot execution.
  3. Improving Footwork and Balance

    • By practicing golf swings, Abhishek learned how to maintain better balance and control over his shots, especially while playing lofted strokes.
    • Lara believed that a strong base is crucial for executing big shots—a lesson he passed on to Abhishek.

Results of Their Mentorship

Thanks to the combined influence of Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara, Abhishek Sharma has developed into a more confident and technically sound batsman. Observers have even noted that his bat swing has shades of both Lara and Yuvraj, showcasing a blend of power, precision, and elegance.

His performances in recent IPL seasons have shown marked improvements, and he is now regarded as a rising star in Indian cricket. With guidance from two of the best left-handed batsmen the game has ever seen, Abhishek is well on his way to making a significant impact at both domestic and international levels.


Conclusion

Yuvraj Singh’s mentorship instilled technical discipline, strategic batting awareness, and confidence in Abhishek Sharma, while Brian Lara’s unconventional methods—such as using golf—helped refine his bat swing, balance, and timing. This unique combination of coaching has transformed Abhishek’s game, making him one of India’s most exciting young batting prospects.

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