Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has spoken about fatherhood, parenting and raising children. Yuvraj, who is married to British-Mauritian actress and model Hazel Keech, says being a parent has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.The couple, who married in both Sikh and Hindu ceremonies in 2016, are parents to son Orion and daughter Aura.
“Being a father is an amazing feeling”
Talking about how life has changed after becoming a father, Yuvraj told My FM India, “Oh, life has been amazing. I think meri maa mujhe bolti hoti thi, ya dad mujhe bolte the, ‘Jab tera bachcha hoga na tab tujhe pata lagega kya hota hai woh pyaar.” I think woh pyaar ek aisa hai jo aapko experience karna chahiye. It’s an amazing feeling to be a father.”He further added, “Jaise-jaise mere bachche bade ho rahe hain, interactions, aapke khud ke genetics, usi tarah harkatein thoda usi tarah dikhna… I think parenthood is the best feeling in the world. It’s hard for every parent, but being a father is amazing.”
“Children should experience everything”
Yuvraj, the son of former cricketer Yograj Singh and Shabnam Singh, spoke about his parents who would be different from the previous generation.Asked how he would react if his children chose a completely different path like roller skating instead of cricket, the former cricketer said that children should be allowed to explore everything.“In my experience, bachchon ko sab kuch karna chahiye. Sport ho, padhai ho, they should experience all sports. Jo bhi mann hai khelne ka. Whatever they are good at, they should choose it and work hard,” he shared.
“There’s a fine line when pushing kids”
However, Yuvraj stressed that parents should know where to draw the line while pushing their children to excel.“I feel strength utna hi karna chahiye jitne ki zarurat hai. That is a very thin line – kitna you can push your baby,” she said.Reflecting on how sportsmen of his generation grew up, Yuvraj added, “In our generation, fathers who were players would encourage a lot, including mine.”
Yuvraj remembers Abhishek Sharma mowing the gym floor
The cricket icon also revealed that his coaching style with young players is influenced by the lessons of his upbringing. Talking about his mentor cricketer Abhishek Sharma, he said, “Jo mere dad ne mujhe sikhaya hai aur jo mujhe lagta hai ki yeh cheez nahi karni chahiye, toh, I can do better things to bring out the same skill.”Sharing a humorous anecdote, Yuvraj said, “For example, agar koi late hota hai ya discipline nahi hai toh matlab usse 50 rounds aur bhaga diye, 40 minutes aur marwa di. Waise abhi Abhishek Sharma ko gym mein pocha marwaya tha. Uske baad woh late nahia.”
