Former India all-rounder
While acknowledging that it is currently premature to declare him a definitive captaincy candidate, Yuvraj pointed to Sharma's conduct in state cricket as clear evidence of his leadership potential. Specifically, the World Cup-winning veteran praised the way Sharma supports younger teammates, such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, noting that such encouragement is a hallmark of a senior leader.
Leadership Development and IPL Aspirations
Yuvraj emphasized that gaining experience at the helm of an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise would be a critical step in Sharma's development. Although Sharma has not yet captained an IPL side, he served as the vice-captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this year. Yuvraj suggested that the confidence gained from leading a franchise is often a prerequisite for handling the pressures of international captaincy.
Regarding the path ahead, Yuvraj noted that while destiny plays a role in such opportunities, he is confident that Sharma will establish himself as a standout white-ball cricketer regardless of whether he eventually leads the national side. He stressed that the focus should remain on the player's continued growth and performance.
Advocating for ODI Inclusion
Beyond leadership prospects, Yuvraj also made a strong case for Sharma’s integration into the Indian
Addressing the need for a more complete skill set, Yuvraj noted that Sharma could further bolster his case by contributing more significantly with his bowling and fielding. However, he maintained that these improvements can only be properly assessed if the player is given consistent opportunities at the international level. Drawing a parallel to the recent success of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the T20 squad, Yuvraj urged the selectors to find a way to accommodate Sharma in the ODI setup as the team builds toward future World Cup campaigns.
