Rohit Sharma on Tuesday (April 7) revealed his admiration for Yuvraj Singh, saying the former India batsman was his first cricket crush when he came into the national set-up.

See Also: Young Rohit Sharma reminded me of Inzamam-ul-Haq, recalls Yuvraj Singh

Rohit made his international debut in 2007 and was part of the Indian team which won the first-ever T20 World Cup held in South Africa where Yuvraj starred.

"When I came into the team my cricket crush was Yuvraj Singh," Rohit said in an Instagram Live session he hosted with Yuvraj himself.

"It was like Yuvi paa's role was going to be my role, batting at No. 5, 6 and finishing off games. I always wanted to talk to him and learn," he added.

Tickled by Yuvraj as to how they got introduced, Rohit laughingly said it's better to skip that part. Narrating an incident, he continued: "I was in the team bus for the first time.

"I was scared if I got late so I was early by 30 minutes. I sat on Yuvi paa's seat. He was coming from the lobby, sunglasses on. I was thrilled to see him and as he came, swag se swagat kia (he welcomed me in style). 'you know whose seat is this?' He asked me. Then I was asked to sit somewhere else."

"We have had a great relationship after that. I learnt so much from you. We had fun," said Rohit.

Among the young players at that time, Yuvraj had predicted Rohit to be the most matured player and the latter eventually proved him right.

"You came into the team when you were 20. I saw you grow and I had said you will be the most matured player among the younger crop. And that is what happened. You have upped your game like anything."

In the end, Rohit shared his thoughts on COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought the world to a practical standstill.

"We need to be responsible and follow government guidelines. We need to stay at home for our future," he said.

(With IANS inputs)