When Indian cricketers put their family first
Amid the on-going ICC Men's T20 World Cup, news has it that ace Indian cricketer Rinku Singh had to make an emergency exit from the camp for his family. While being a part of the cricket team comes with its own challenges and sacrifices, time and again moments have risen where some cricketers have chosen their family over work. Prioritising their family over national duty earns universal respect. It also shows our beloved cricketers' vulnerability and human-side amid glory.
Rinku Singh: T20 World Cup Camp Exit (2026)
India batter Rinku Singh left the T20 World Cup camp mid-preparation, as per reports. The reason: His father's health turned critical. As per sources, Rinku's father has stage-4 liver cancer and he is currently on ventilator support. No word yet on rejoining, but management monitors closely.
PTI Photo
Virat Kohli: Double Paternity Breaks (2021 & 2024)
Back in 2021, Virat Kohli flew home from Australia's 2020-21 Test series after Adelaide, missing matches. The reason: the birth of his first child, daughter Vamika. In February 2024, Virat took his second paternity leave and skipped IPL for son Akaay's arrival in London. While critics questioned his timing, Kohli stood firm in his decision-- for him, his family is a priority. Through his actions, Virat modeled modern fatherhood. He also normalised taking breaks from work for celebrating life's milestones.Photo: Virat Kohli/ Instagram
R Ashwin: IPL 2021 Withdrawal Amid COVID Scare
In 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, cricketer R Ashwin quit the IPL midway as COVID ravaged his family. Many of his relatives were hospitalised, and some cousins were critical. Sleepless for 8-9 days, he played matches exhausted, fearing permanent impact. "I couldn't sleep... I was playing without sleep," he later shared on YouTube. However, later the tournament was suspended after bio-bubble cases. His decision showed the importance of prioritising one's health and family over work.
Jasprit Bumrah: Asia Cup Exit for Newborn (2023)
In 2023, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the Asia Cup in between the tournament. The reason: The birth of his son Angad in September. The cricketer rejoined Super Fours stage. Celebrating fatherhood amid ODIs humanized the fast-bowler, and people praised his decision.
Rohit Sharma: Missed Sydney Test for Daughter's Birth (2018)
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma skipped the 2018-19 Sydney Test—final Border-Gavaskar match—to be beside his wife, Ritika, for the birth of their daughter Samaira. India drew series 2-1; Rohit returned for ODIs. His choice normalized paternity in Tests.
These stories not only show the human side of our beloved cricketers, they also show that true champions balance pitch and home.