Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has opened up about fatherhood, parenting and raising children. Yuvraj, who is married to British-Mauritian actress and model Hazel Keech, said becoming a parent has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life.The couple, who tied the knot in 2016 in both Sikh and Hindu ceremonies, are parents to son Orion and daughter Aura.
‘It’s an amazing feeling to be a dad’
Talking about how life changed after becoming a father, Yuvraj told My FM India, “Oh, life’s been amazing. I think my mother used to say to me, or my father used to say to me, ‘When your child will be there then you will know what is happening my love.’ I think that love is something that you should experience. It is an amazing feeling to be a dad.”He further added, “Jaise-jaise mere bachche bade ho ho ho hain, interactions, aapke khud ke genetics, usi tarah harkatein thoda usi tarah dikhna… I think it’s the best feeling in the world to be a parent. It’s hard for all parents, but it’s just amazing to be a dad.”
‘Children should experience everything’
Yuvraj, son of former cricketer-actor Yograj Singh and Shabnam Singh, also spoke about how he would approach parenting differently from the previous generation.When asked how he would react if his children chose a completely different path like roller skating instead of cricket, the former cricketer said children should be allowed to explore everything.“In my experience, children should do everything possible. Sport ho, study ho, they should experience all sports. Whatever they are good at, they should pick it and work hard in it,” he shared.
‘There’s a thin line in pushing kids’
However, Yuvraj stressed that parents should know where to draw the line while pushing children towards excellence.“I feel force as much as is required. That is a very thin line — how much you can push your kid,” he said.Reflecting on how athletes of his generation were raised, Yuvraj added, “In our generation, dads who were players would push a lot, including mine.”
Yuvraj recalls making Abhishek Sharma mop the gym floor
The cricket icon also revealed that his coaching style with young players is influenced by lessons from his own upbringing. Speaking about mentoring cricketer Abhishek Sharma, he said, “Jo mere dad has taught me and I feel that this thing should not be done, so I can do better things around to get the same skill out.”Sharing a humorous anecdote, Yuvraj said, “For example, if someone was late or there was no discipline, it means he ran 50 rounds, did 40 minutes and got killed. Just like Abhishek Sharma was beaten in the gym. After that he was not late.”
