Fatherhood has been a life-changing experience: Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat and Rinny Kantaria became parents to a baby boy in May, whom they have named Atharva. Jaydev, who was busy playing in the IPL ( Indian Premier League ) when Atharva was born, had to leave to play county cricket for Sussex soon after that. However, Rinny and Atharva accompanied him to the UK, which doubled his joy. In a chat, the cricketer from Saurashtra talks to us about the joy of fatherhood and more. Excerpts:

‘I am a hands-on dad’

Atharva was born during the IPL, and it was an overwhelming moment for all of us. Initially, I didn’t know what to expect but it has been a very rewarding experience. I am a hands-on dad, and I love things like getting up at night and making him burp. Watching him grow up is a joy that nothing can match. Fatherhood has been a life-changing experience. After IPL was over, I got a two-month break, and it was time for full-time parenting. Everything else, including my workouts, took a back seat. We created memories for life. Now, I want to be around my son all the time and little things like making him go to sleep give me immense joy.

‘Grateful to have a life partner like Rinny’

I am really grateful to have a life partner like Rinny, who has made a lot of sacrifices. She is an excellent lawyer, but she took a break and always made sure that I could focus on my career without worrying about anything else. We are on the same page as a couple, and I am really impressed by how well she understands cricket now. Before our wedding, she hardly knew anything about the technical aspects of the game. But today, she understands technical things like how a pitch is behaving.

‘Cheteshwar’s success will continue to inspire cricketers everywhere’

Talking about his close friend Cheteshwar Pujara, who retired from professional cricket recently, Jaydev says, “At a time when there is so much T20 cricket being played all around, the kind of discipline and perseverance he showed to excel in Test cricket, the toughest format, will remain an inspiration for everyone. His skills, mental toughness and the way he fought back after major injuries will continue to inspire cricketers everywhere. Despite achieving so much, he remains humble and grounded. I just want to congratulate him on such a successful career.”

He adds, “I am glad about the kind of performances I have been able to come up with in county cricket. It feels like an integral part of my career now and I love playing in England.”