Indian cricketer KL Rahul has shared heartfelt insights into his life after embracing fatherhood, revealing how his daughter Evaarah has brought profound changes to his personality and perspective.
A New Chapter of Calm and Happiness
In a candid conversation with ETimes, Rahul expressed that welcoming his daughter Evaarah in March this year has been a transformative experience. The cricketer confessed he never imagined he could attain greater levels of calmness or happiness until he became a father.
"I never thought I could be any calmer or happier, but I can confidently say when you have a child, you feel emotions you've never felt before," Rahul revealed during the interview.
The Protective Instinct of Fatherhood
Alongside the overwhelming joy and peace, Rahul admitted that fatherhood introduced him to a new kind of fear - the powerful instinct to protect his child. He described this profound connection with emotional depth, stating that his daughter represents more than just a part of him.
"There's so much joy, peace, and even fear, because you want to protect this little special thing in your arms. It's not just a part of you, it's your whole heart in your hand," the cricketer emotionally shared.
Rahul further explained that while prospective parents can prepare for fatherhood, the actual experience remains unpredictable. "I try and do the best by my child. I don't think you can ever plan what kind of father you're going to be, because you don't know what kind of a personality your baby is going to be," he added.
Learning Family Values from the Shetty Family
The cricketer also opened up about his relationship with the Shetty family, acknowledging how they've influenced his understanding of family bonds. Rahul revealed that his demanding cricket schedule had previously limited his time with family, but his perspective has evolved over time.
Observing Athiya Shetty's close relationship with her parents, particularly her father Suniel Shetty, inspired Rahul to prioritize family connections. He expressed admiration for their tight-knit dynamic and the comfort it provides.
"I've realised coming into this family how tight and how close they are," Rahul stated. "That feeling of just switching off from the chaos that you feel in high-pressure jobs when you spend time with family, have a meal, and just talk about life — I feel like that's the best way I've learned to switch off from the chaos of cricket and the pressure of performance. That's something I've learned through Athiya and their family."
The cricketer's revelations highlight not just the personal transformation brought by fatherhood, but also the importance of family support systems in managing the pressures of professional sports.
