Kohli’s career hangs in the balance after birth of first child
Pundits have cast doubt on the future of India's cricket superstar Birat Kholi's career after he became a first-time father last week, saying he may never reach his previous peaks following the new addition to his family.
Kholi had abandoned the tour of Australia to be with his expecting wife Rudshanka Varma, whose acting career, experts said, is likely to see a similar dip. Varma was expecting Kholi to come, but not the backlash it would create.
"I think we're already seeing what it will do to his career – he just left the tour," said former cricketer Sushil Gadhascar from his commentary chair. "His priorities have already changed, so I can't see him making the same sacrifices he has made so far in his career."
While fans have also piled on, angry that Kholi's absence has weakened the team ahead of a tough assignment, Kholi's in-laws have welcomed the move and agreed that his cricket career was destined to take a hit.
"Your body changes when you become a father," Kholi's father-in-law said. "All those late nights, getting up to feed the baby and change its diapers does no favours for your posture."
Kholi's mother-in-law agreed, reminding her husband that it's not an "it" but a "he".
The lack of sleep would be a big problem, said former Pakistan captain Imran Kamran.
"You see, his eyesight would be affected… he won't be able to negotiate the fastest bowlers anymore. Also, because he will be bent over cleaning diapers half the time, he won't be able to hop onto the back foot as easily," said Kamran. "That is why I didn't marry till I retired."
When asked whether him not marrying during his playing days had anything to do with his dating life, Kamran said he had a cabinet meeting to get to and rushed off.
Meanwhile, Kholi posted on his Instagram account asking whether it was anyone's business what he wanted to do with his life and whether people should be talking about how his body may change.
"Yes, it is their business and they sure will be talking," commented US tennis superstar Serena Williams. [The name in the heading is a misspelling, just for clicks…]
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