IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Faces Criticism from Yograj Singh Amid Rising Stardom

Abhishek Sharma Under Scrutiny Ahead of IPL 2026

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Abhishek Sharma is a player to watch. Over the past two years, he has shown impressive form, despite a mixed performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. Trained by Yuvraj Singh, the left-handed opener has risen to become the top T20I batter, showcasing his explosive batting style. However, his father, Yograj Singh, a former all-rounder for India, has openly criticized him ahead of the tournament. In an interview with a sports outlet, Yograj expressed his disappointment with Abhishek's approach to the game, particularly his habit of attempting to hit every ball for six. He suggested that Abhishek's focus on a lavish lifestyle might be affecting his performance. “I’m very disappointed with him. I often message him not to take this game lightly. He responds with ‘yes, sir,’ but there’s more to batting than just hitting sixes. You need to play singles and doubles too. Relying solely on big hits will lead to failure,” Yograj remarked. He emphasized the importance of discipline in a cricketer's life, pointing out that distractions like parties and money can derail a player's career.

Yograj Singh's Surprising Support for MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni Should Play For 10 More Years

Yograj Singh has been known for his critical stance towards MS Dhoni, often blaming him for hindering his son's career. However, with Dhoni returning to the field for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after nearly a year, Yograj has surprisingly praised the veteran wicketkeeper-batter. As speculation about Dhoni's retirement circulates, Yograj believes that Dhoni should continue playing for another decade, citing his remarkable fitness and dedication. “He is still active and should keep playing for the next 10 years. His fitness is commendable, and he has shown great discipline. Who are we to suggest he retire? He deserves respect for his contributions to cricket,” Yograj stated.