New Delhi, April 9 – The steady rise of Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh is largely attributed to the valuable mentorship of Yuvraj Singh, who has successfully navigated the pressures of international cricket for over a decade.
For Prabhsimran, who has scored 80 runs in three innings for PBKS in the IPL 2026, Yuvraj is more like a "big brother" than a coach. In a virtual roundtable discussion facilitated by the franchise on Thursday, Prabhsimran spoke about the personal nature of his mentorship by Yuvraj, the evolving nature of T20 cricket, and how playing for India A has boosted his ambitions for the senior team.
Q. Scoring rates in T20 cricket are constantly increasing in every IPL season. How has your mindset changed regarding powerplay due to the norm of totals exceeding 200?
A. Actually, the game has become much faster now. Earlier, we had to defend scores of 170-180. We still do that sometimes. But if you look at cricket statistics, totals of 200 or more are now the norm. So, to achieve 200 or more, I believe you should approach the powerplay with an attacking mindset.
There is also clear guidance from the team, the coach, and the captain, outlining the best approach. If you want to score, you should go for it. But, of course, cricket has become faster. So, it's not as difficult to score 200 or more runs.
Q. How has your growth progressed from your early years with Punjab Kings, where opportunities were limited, to your current position as a regular player?
A. Actually, I have been playing for Punjab Kings for eight years. Obviously, when I started, I didn't get many opportunities. But over the past 3-4 years, I have been getting more chances, and I try to make the most of them every time. Sometimes it's successful, sometimes it's not.
So, I am also grateful to Punjab Kings for this. I always say that if they have given me this opportunity, it's my responsibility to make the most of it. When it comes to leadership, I am almost a captain, so I am used to it and I enjoy the challenge.
Q. From a wicketkeeper's perspective, how much of an advantage do you have in reading the game, and how do you assist captain Shreyas Iyer in this regard?
A. I believe that a wicketkeeper's ability to read the game is invaluable. From my position, I can see everything. Sometimes, as a captain, Iyer might need to go to the boundary rope, where there are a lot of people and noise, and it can be difficult to communicate effectively.
That's why my role is to check the fielding angles, advise the fielders, or talk to the bowler if they are making a mistake or if it's part of our strategy. So, I think this helps a lot.
Q. Your training sessions with Yuvraj Singh have been a major topic of discussion. Can you describe the nature of your relationship with him?
A. I don't have a formal coaching relationship with Yuvi. I see him as a big brother. Priyansh (Arya) and I practice with him, but Priyansh was new to this. So, whenever we have time, we call him and let him know that we are available to practice. He then arranges it, either in Mohali or Gurugram.
He manages everything himself. With him, if I call him at 3 or 4 in the morning, he can still call me. He gives us a lot of freedom. So, our relationship is one where we can talk about anything, and he doesn't mind.
His advice mainly focuses on how to play, what to do, technique, and mindset. During the season, we don't pay much attention to these aspects. But after the IPL, if we have a few weeks, we can use that time to correct our mistakes and improve our game under his guidance.
Q. Having experience with the India A team, including scoring a century, how has that impacted your aspirations for the senior national team?
A. When you play for India A, your main goal is to impress the selectors and get a chance in the senior team. Scoring a century in India A gives you confidence. If you perform well in India A, there is a good chance you will get a chance in the senior team in the future. So, that's my main focus.
