Arjun Tendulkar could become the next Chris Gayle if Yuvraj Singh becomes his mentor, feels Yograj Singh

Albeit a controversial figure, Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj has always been a pillar of support to the former all-rounder.

Arjun Tendulkar could become the next Chris Gayle if Yuvraj Singh becomes his mentor, feels Yograj Singh

Yograj Singh surprisingly claimed that Arjun Tendulkar has the potential to become the next Chris Gayle, if he is coached by his son. (via Times of India)

Former Indian cricketer and Yuvraj Singh’s father Yograj, who is known for his inflammatory comments, surprisingly backed Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun. He admitted that the 25-year-old has the potential to become the next Chris Gayle, should Yuvraj become his mentor.

25-year-old Arjun Tendulkar has struggled to live up to his father, Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy. Despite being a part of his father’s former IPL franchise Mumbai Indians since 2021, he has only been able to make five appearances till now, claiming three wickets at an average of 38 and an economy rate of 9.37. Arjun was picked up by MI at the 2025 IPL Mega Auction for INR 30 lakhs, but is yet to play a match this season.

Arjun Tendulkar’s form in domestic cricket has been equally average. The 25-year-old bowler shifted allegiance from Mumbai to Goa, back in 2022. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy Plate Division, he managed to score just 51 runs in three innings. However, he had a decent run with the ball, picking up 16 wickets in four matches. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Arjun Tendulkar picked a wicket in his two appearances. 

Despite his poor numbers in domestic cricket, former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, expressed confidence in the 25-year-old’s abilities. He surprisingly urged Arjun to focus more on batting, rather than bowling. Moreover, Yograj confidently asserted that his son, Yuvraj Singh, who is often revered as the finest all-rounders of all time, could help Arjun Tendulkar, if he became his trainer.

The 67-year-old, who had himself trained Arjun Tendulkar in the past, even went on to state that he has the potential to become the next Chris Gayle. While Yograj Singh’s claims about Arjun remain blurry, the 67-year-old did bring up the tale of Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, justify those. He recalled how Sharma was classified as a bowler in his early cricketing years by the Punjab Cricket Association.

With regards to Arjun [Tendulkar], I said, focus less on his bowling and more on his batting. But if Yuvraj [Singh] takes Sachin’s son under his wings for three months, I bet he will become the next Chris Gayle.

Yograj Singh on Arjun Tendulkar (H/T India Today)

Yograj Singh noted that he and his son Yuvraj, had objected to Abhishek Sharma being categorized as a bowler. Yuvraj Singh later went on to train him, after his successful U-19 career with the Indian team. Sharma has since then, reached new heights and shattered several records. The 24-year-old now has two T20I centuries to his name, and is ranked 2nd among T20 batters in the world.

When we asked about a list of Abhishek Sharma’s performances from the PCA and the coaches. Do you know what they said? Sir, he is a bowler. He bowls.

Yograj Singh added

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for the young Arjun Tendulkar, who had made his India under-19 back in 2018. At Mumbai Indians, he faces tough competition from several other young bowlers to make it into the starting XI, including Ashwani Kumar and Satyanarayana Raju. 

Yograj Singh narrates how his son Yuvraj disciplined young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation over the years, shining for the Indian national team as well as his IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, his journey to the top was not an easy one, with former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh narrating how his son Yuvraj, disciplined Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma Yograj Singh
Yograj Singh narrated how his son Yuvraj, disciplined Abhishek Sharma during his training. (via India Today)

Yograj Singh recalled how Abhishek Sharma’s father had urged Yuvraj to intervene and take control of his son’s flamboyant lifestyle. The 67-year-old added that Yuvraj stopped Abhishek from attending late-night parties, and going out with female friends. He even revealed that his son locked Abhishek in his room, took away his phone, and made him go to bed early, in order to reinvigorate his focus on playing.

Moreover, the 67-year-old added that Yuvraj Singh also handled India’s ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill’s situation in a similar manner. The two players have now gone to seal their place in the Indian white-ball set-up, with Abhishek Sharma having most recently, earned his maiden BCCI Grade C contract.