Mumbai, India — Even the biggest cricket stars once looked up to heroes of the game. During a recent conversation hosted by renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle, several Indian Premier League (IPL) players opened up about the cricketers who inspired them while growing up.
The discussion featured IPL stars including Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, and Abhishek Sharma, who shared the names of their childhood cricket idols and how those legends influenced their playing style.
Sanju Samson Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson revealed that his biggest inspiration growing up was legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.
Like millions of cricket fans across India, Samson admired Tendulkar’s consistency, skill, and impact on the game. Watching the “Master Blaster” dominate international cricket left a lasting impression on the young cricketer from Kerala.
Abhishek Sharma Looked Up to Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh
Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Abhishek Sharma said two of his biggest inspirations were Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh.
Lara, the West Indies legend known for his elegant stroke play, and Yuvraj, one of India’s greatest white-ball match-winners, both influenced Sharma’s approach to batting.
Their aggressive style and ability to change games quickly made them role models for the young cricketer.
Hardik Pandya’s Inspiration
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya also spoke about the players he admired while growing up. Known today for his fearless approach and dynamic performances, Pandya’s journey to international cricket was shaped by watching some of the sport’s greatest stars.
Like many young cricketers in India, he was inspired by legendary players whose performances defined an era of cricket.
The Power of Role Models in Cricket
For many professional athletes, childhood idols play a major role in shaping their passion for the sport. Watching great players perform on the biggest stages often motivates youngsters to dream of following the same path.
In cricket, legends like Tendulkar, Lara, and Yuvraj Singh have inspired generations of players who now compete in tournaments like the IPL.
From Fans to Stars
Today, players like Samson, Pandya, and Sharma are idols for a new generation of cricket fans. Their journey—from watching cricket legends as young fans to becoming stars themselves—highlights the lasting influence of great players on the sport.
As the IPL continues to showcase emerging talent, many of today’s young players may one day inspire the next generation of cricketers in the same way.
