Yuvraj Singh birthday wishes Abhishek Sharma: 'Love the person you have become'
Synopsis
Yuvraj Singh's Instagram tribute to Abhishek Sharma on his 26th birthday was equal parts roast and reverence — sit-up penalties for rash shots, a Wimbledon cameo with Sanju Samson, and a simple 'Always' when asked for blessings. Behind the banter is a mentorship that helped produce India's second-fastest T20I centurion, who now faces a critical form test against Afghanistan.
Key Takeaways
Yuvraj Singh posted a birthday tribute for Abhishek Sharma on 4 September , calling him 'Sir Abhishek' on Instagram.
The video featured light-hearted training drills and a Wimbledon outing shared with Sanju Samson .
Abhishek has scored 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries in 55 T20I innings for India.
He holds the record for the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian — 37 balls vs England — behind Rohit Sharma's 35-ball ton in 2017.
Abhishek has managed just one fifty in his last 10 innings and faces Afghanistan in a 3-match T20I series in New Delhi .
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh on Friday, 4 September shared a heartfelt birthday message for his protégé Abhishek Sharma, who turned 26, celebrating the youngster's journey from a raw talent to India's premier T20I batter. The tribute, posted on Instagram, offered a rare glimpse into the mentor-mentee bond that has quietly shaped one of Indian cricket's most exciting batting prospects.
The Birthday Message
Yuvraj accompanied a cheeky video with a warm caption that read: 'Sir Abhishek, it's your birthday. What an auspicious day. Love the person you have become - sharing and caring for those around you, and a leader! Always learning from your failures and willing to put in more hard work each time! Wishing you a year of runs and tons! Lots of love always.'
The affectionate title 'Sir Abhishek' — a playful reversal of the usual dynamic — underlines just how far the Sunrisers Hyderabad left-hander has come under Yuvraj's guidance.
What the Video Showed
The video blended humour with genuine warmth. In one segment, Yuvraj is seen instructing Abhishek not to play rash shots, making him do sit-ups as a light-hearted penalty. 'Bol mai pehli ball te lappa nahi maaranga,' Yuvraj can be heard saying, to which Abhishek responds, 'Mai pehli ball te lift nahi maranga,' holding his ears in mock penance.
The clip also captured the trio of Yuvraj, Abhishek, and Sanju Samson watching from the stands at Wimbledon. In a candid exchange, Yuvraj asked Abhishek what he wanted, and the youngster replied, 'Aapka Aashirwaad' — your blessings — to which Yuvraj simply said, 'Always.'
Abhishek Sharma's Rise in T20 Cricket
The birthday tribute arrives at a significant moment in Abhishek's career. The 26-year-old southpaw has accumulated two centuries and 11 half-centuries across 55 T20I innings, establishing himself as one of India's most feared top-order batters in the shortest format.
Notably, Abhishek holds the record for the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian, having reached three figures off just 37 balls against England last year. Only former skipper Rohit Sharma — who struck a hundred in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017 — sits above him on that list.
Form Concerns Ahead of Afghanistan Series
Despite his stellar credentials, Abhishek has endured a lean patch recently. The left-hander has managed just one fifty in his last 10 innings and has been dismissed in single digits in four consecutive innings, following mixed outings against Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe.
He is next scheduled to feature in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi, where he will be eager to rediscover the form that made him India's No. 1 ranked T20I batter. The series represents a timely opportunity to reset and reassert his credentials at the top of the order.
Point of View
Personal, and clearly effective. Yet the timing is instructive. Abhishek is in a form trough, and the public nature of Yuvraj's backing is as much a vote of confidence as it is a gentle reminder of the standards expected. The Afghanistan series will tell us whether the sit-up drills have done their job.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yuvraj Singh write for Abhishek Sharma's birthday?
Yuvraj Singh posted an Instagram tribute calling Abhishek 'Sir Abhishek' and writing: 'Love the person you have become - sharing and caring for those around you, and a leader! Always learning from your failures and willing to put in more hard work each time! Wishing you a year of runs and tons!' He also shared a humorous video featuring training drills and a Wimbledon outing.
How old is Abhishek Sharma and what is his T20I record?
Abhishek Sharma turned 26 on 4 September. He has scored 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries in 55 T20I innings and holds the record for the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian — 37 balls against England.
Who holds the fastest T20I century record for India?
Former captain Rohit Sharma holds the record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian, having hit a hundred in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017. Abhishek Sharma is second on that list with a 37-ball century against England.
When is Abhishek Sharma's next series?
Abhishek Sharma is next scheduled to play in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi. He will be looking to bounce back after a lean run that included just one fifty in his last 10 innings.
What is the mentor-mentee relationship between Yuvraj Singh and Abhishek Sharma?
Yuvraj Singh has been a long-time mentor to Abhishek Sharma, guiding his development from domestic cricket to the international stage. Their bond, as shown in the birthday video, includes hands-on training sessions and a close personal friendship that also includes India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.
