Yuvraj Singh’s impact on India’s current crop of batters doesn’t always arrive with fanfare, but it is often felt in the way players prepare, think and carry themselves at the crease. From the calm, time-tested approach of Shubman Gill to the fearless brand of hitting from Abhishek Sharma, and the growing self-belief shown by Sanju Samson, there is a sense that Yuvraj’s influence has seeped into modern batting habits. For Indian cricket, he has effectively taken on a role the system doesn’t formally name—part guide, part confidant, part big brother. Young and established players alike seem to drift in and out of his circle, sometimes for brief sessions, sometimes across a longer stretch, returning with small but meaningful adjustments to their game.
Prabhsimran Singh finds a “big brother” in Yuvraj
Into that quietly influential space has now stepped Prabhsimran Singh. Once viewed as a promising wicketkeeper-batter still waiting to fully announce himself, the Punjab Kings player now appears to be moving from potential toward precision. In conversations that reflect growing conviction, he has spoken more clearly about his ultimate objective: earning a place in India’s senior team.
During an interaction arranged by Punjab Kings on Thursday, Prabhsimran described his relationship with Yuvraj as something closer to family than coaching. “My relationship with Yuvi paaji is actually not like that of a coach or student… I have a big brother relationship with him,” the 25-year-old said. He added that Priyansh Arya and himself had recently trained under Yuvraj. “And yes, Priyansh (Arya) and I trained under him recently. It was Priyansh’s first time practicing with him.”
Prabhsimran explained how the access works in practice. “Whenever I get some free time, I just call him and say, ‘Paaji, we are free right now and want to practice with you,’ and he arranges it. Whether it’s in Mohali or Gurgaon, he manages everything himself.” He also highlighted the level of flexibility Yuvraj provides: “With him, it’s like even if we have to call him at 3 or 4 in the night, we can; that’s the kind of freedom he has given us. So, as I said, it’s a big brother relationship. We talk a lot and can share anything with him without any hesitation.”
Sharper thinking, not just technical tweaks
For a player who has often been described as talented but still finding his full rhythm, that comfort appears to have translated into clearer direction. Prabhsimran suggested that Yuvraj’s guidance is not usually about dramatic mechanical changes. Instead, it revolves around fine calibrations—how he should play depending on the moment.
- Yuvraj has shared tips focused on how Prabhsimran should approach his technique at a specific time in a match.
- The advice also concentrates heavily on the mental side of the game—what mindset to carry during different situations, both in matches and away from the field.
- Prabhsimran believes this has helped shift his batting narrative in recent times.
He pointed to a visible change in outcomes and intent. “Earlier, I used to get out in the 30s or 40s… now I look to play longer innings.” He further connected that personal evolution to team discussions, saying, “As we discuss in team meetings too, it doesn’t matter to us whether we have to go for the Orange Cap or the Purple Cap… the goal is to create enough impact so you can win matches for your team.”
Adapting to faster IPL demands
Prabhsimran’s explanation also mirrors the way the IPL has tightened in recent seasons. With the tempo accelerating and margins shrinking, the batter’s job increasingly involves sustaining aggression for longer spells rather than relying on slower accumulation.
He said, “The game has become so fast now. Earlier, targets of 180 or 170 used to be defended. It happens nowadays too. But if you look at what average score is required, it has moved to 200-plus.”
According to Prabhsimran, reaching those totals demands an attacking mindset from the earliest phase. “To score 200-plus, I feel you have to come in and play with an attacking approach right from the Powerplay. You also get clarity from the team, the coach and the captain to go all out and play freely. If you have to hit, then you have to go for it. Cricket has definitely become faster, so scoring 250 is not that difficult anymore.”
Wicketkeeping shaped by a Dhoni-style blueprint
While batting reflects the league’s present-day speed, Prabhsimran’s wicketkeeping remains rooted in an older influence. Like many players of his generation, he grew up watching MS Dhoni—not only as a finisher, but as the wicketkeeper. “I used to watch Mahi bhai keep wickets. As everyone knows, he has very fast hands. So I don’t copy anyone in batting, but in wicketkeeping, I try to emulate Mahi bhai,” Prabhsimran said.
India A stint keeps the senior-team dream close
Beyond IPL preparation, Prabhsimran’s ambition extends to international cricket, and his recent involvement with India A has brought that dream into sharper focus. He described how the India A environment clarifies priorities and strengthens belief in a path to the senior side.
“When you get into the India A setup, you feel that your main goal is to play for the senior Indian team, to represent the country well, and play for a long time. You feel like, ‘Yes, I am in India A now, and if I do well, maybe I will get a chance to play for the senior team soon.’ So that confidence stays inside you, knowing that the ultimate goal of playing for the senior India team is not too far away,” he said.
