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 tell me, or my dad used to tell me, ‘When you have your own child, then you will know what that love is.’ I think that love is something that you should experience. It is an amazing feeling to be a dad.”
He further added, “As my children are growing up, interactions, your own genetics, similar mannerisms, looking similar... 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. Sports, studies, they should experience all sports. Whatever they feel like playing. 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 should only be applied as much as needed. 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, “What my dad taught me and what I think should not be done, I can do better things around to get the same skill out.”
Sharing a humorous anecdote, Yuvraj said, “For example, if someone is late or not disciplined, then I make them run 50 extra rounds, hit 40 more balls. Actually, recently I made Abhishek Sharma mop the gym floor. After that, he was never late.”
