Indian cricketer KL Rahul has spoken candidly about how fatherhood has transformed his outlook on life, saying that becoming a parent has brought him a level of happiness and emotional fulfilment he had never experienced before. The Delhi Capitals opener shared his reflections during an appearance on a sports programme, where he discussed both his personal journey and recent form in cricket.
Rahul said that fatherhood has become the “most beautiful thing” in his life, adding that while he once believed he understood happiness and peace, the experience of holding his child completely changed his perspective. He described this phase of his life as deeply fulfilling and emotionally enriching, though he also admitted that leaving his daughter behind for matches has been increasingly difficult.
The cricketer married Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty in January 2023, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Evaarah, in early 2025. Rahul said that while he initially assumed parenting would become easier as the child grew, he now finds it even more emotionally demanding as she begins to walk and talk, making time away from home harder.
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Rahul also spoke about how fatherhood has influenced his mindset on the field. He said that spending time with his daughter helps him reset mentally after matches, allowing him to leave behind injuries, pressure, and professional stress. He added that this emotional balance has positively impacted his cricket, helping him stay calmer and more focused during high-pressure situations.
The Indian batter, who has been an important part of the Delhi Capitals setup in the IPL 2026 season, said that he no longer overthinks his game, which has made his approach more enjoyable and instinctive. He explained that during matches, he remains fully focused for those few hours, aiming to play freely and contribute to the team without excessive pressure.
Reflecting on his career overall, Rahul said he is proud of his evolution as a cricketer, particularly in white-ball formats. He recalled being initially labelled primarily as a Test specialist early in his career but expressed satisfaction at breaking that perception over time. While acknowledging mistakes along the way, he said he continues to focus on giving his best, staying balanced through both successes and setbacks, and enjoying the ongoing journey in international cricket.
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