“Virat Kohli could well be a trailblazer” – Monty Panesar backs Virat Kohli for quashing ‘macho ideas’ and taking paternity leave
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In a huge cultural and social shift, Virat Kohli just became the first Indian cricketer to be granted a paternity leave.
The Indian captain returned home after the first Test match against Australia in Adelaide. However, India’s dramatic loss in the match prompted some to call for him to stay. But others, including Australian batter Steve Smith, believe it is vital that he shows it is possible to strike a balance between playing and attending the birth of your first child.
This decision is a reflection of changes that are happening in the Indian society. For many generations, the idea of marriage in India wasn’t about equal partnership. However, it’s cricket star’s decision show that parenting responsibilities need to be shared.
“It is a beautiful feeling. It is difficult to describe how you feel, but when we found out we were having a baby, we were over the moon. When we announced it, the kind of love that was showered on us… it was amazing,” Virat Kohli told the YouTube channel of RCB. “People were genuinely so emotional and happy for us. We are looking forward to the third member joining the clan,” he added.
‘There has also been a cultural shift over the years in the men’s game’ – Monty Panesar
Cricket Australia recently announced a ground-breaking parental policy. Men’s and women’s players alike will be able to get 12 months’ paid leave for pregnant women and a guaranteed contract extension for the following year.
English cricketer, Monty Panesar wrote about it for the Sports Gazette. “While the primary beneficiaries have been female cricketers taking maternity leave, there has also been a cultural shift over the years in the men’s game, when previously it may have been frowned upon for a cricketer to take time out to attend the birth of their child,” he wrote.
Virat Kohli’s absence during the final three Test matches against Australia would have consequences on the results and on the viewership of the red-ball matches. India is already behind with the Aussies securing a 1-0 lead. Ace pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami would be absent due to injury. This is a very precarious situation for the team.
However, Monty Panesar has called Virat Kohli a trailblazer in the issue of paternity leave. “Kohli could well be a trailblazer when the issue comes up again, even though the Indian media has remained unusually quiet on the issue,” he said.
Regardless of the outcome of the India’s tour Down Under, Kohli’s decision to stay by his wife, Anushka Sharma for the birth of their first child will pave a new path. The long-celebrated macho idea of playing for one’s country over witnessing the birth of your child could be softening. Kohli’s decision aptly demonstrates that marriage and parenthood are commitments of equal partnerships.
Also Read: Pregnant Anushka Sharma performs a shirshasana effortlessly with the help of Virat Kohli
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Ira Deokule
(181 Articles Published)