Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh may have stepped away from the field, but their influence on the next generation of cricketers remains stronger than ever. Through mentorship and guidance, both icons have played an important role in shaping young Indian players who recently helped the country achieve historic success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.

India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to win the tournament on home soil and also the first to successfully defend the title. The triumph showcased the strength of India’s new generation of cricketers, many of whom have benefited from the advice and encouragement of former legends.

Sanju Samson Credits Tendulkar’s Guidance

After the victory, Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson revealed that Tendulkar had been in constant contact with him during a challenging phase leading up to the tournament final. Samson credited the cricket legend for helping him stay mentally strong and perform under pressure.

Samson was not part of the playing XI during the early matches but returned to the team after Rinku Singh had to leave due to a family emergency. Once given the opportunity, Samson delivered remarkable performances in the knockout stages.

He scored an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final, followed by a quick 89 against England in the semi-final, and another 89 in the final against New Zealand. His explosive batting helped India post totals of over 250 runs in key matches, putting the opposition under immense pressure.

Samson later shared that he had been seeking Tendulkar’s advice since the Australia series in October, when he was dropped from the team due to poor form. According to Samson, Tendulkar guided him on maintaining the right mindset for big matches and even reached out to him before the final to check how he was feeling.

Tendulkar’s Long History of Mentoring Players

This is far from the first time Tendulkar has supported younger cricketers. Widely known as the “God of Cricket”, he has often helped players regain confidence during difficult periods.

For example, Tendulkar reportedly advised Virat Kohli during a challenging phase in England in 2014, helping him regain form. Similarly, when Shubman Gill took over as India’s captain in 2025 after the retirement of Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, he sought Tendulkar’s guidance on playing in English conditions. Gill went on to finish as the top run-scorer of the series, helping India level the contest.

Even earlier in his career, Rohit Sharma had spoken about how Tendulkar guided him during the 2007–08 series against Australia, when Sharma was still a young player trying to establish himself in international cricket.

Yuvraj Singh’s Mentorship in Punjab

Alongside Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh has also been mentoring young cricketers, especially those from Punjab. He has worked closely with rising stars such as Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, helping them refine their skills and approach to the game.

Abhishek Sharma, who first gained recognition after winning the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, struggled to maintain momentum early in his career. However, under Yuvraj’s mentorship, he transformed into a powerful top-order batter. His performances with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League earned him a place in the Indian national team.

Abhishek carried his aggressive style into international cricket and eventually silenced critics with an impressive performance in the T20 World Cup final.

Yuvraj has also played a role in guiding several young players from Punjab, including Priyansh Arya, Anmolpreet Singh, Prabhsimran Singh and Ramandeep Singh, who are currently building their reputations in the IPL.

Giving Back to the Game

Interestingly, neither Tendulkar nor Yuvraj has taken up permanent coaching roles with the Board of Control for Cricket in India or in the IPL. Their mentorship often happens informally, driven by a desire to give back to the sport that made them legends.

Through their experience and encouragement, these cricket icons continue to shape the future of Indian cricket—ensuring that the next generation of players is prepared to carry the country’s legacy forward.