Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has opened up about fatherhood, marriage and the importance of sharing parenting responsibilities with his wife, Priyanka Chaudhary Raina. The couple recently appeared on Mom Talks: Maa Ki Baat – Maa Ke Jazbaat Season 2, hosted by Parineeti Chopra, where Suresh spoke candidly about the sacrifices his wife made while he was busy representing India on the cricket field. From balancing professional commitments to raising their children, the cricketer's heartfelt remarks highlighted the importance of mutual respect, family support and equal responsibility in a relationship.
During his interaction with the media, Suresh acknowledged that his wife's contribution to their family had often been greater than his own because of the demands of international cricket. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “In Parineeti’s show, the focus is on the experiences, emotions, and pressures of being a mother. In my case, my wife’s role becomes even more significant because I’m playing cricket—representing the country. She has arguably put in more work than I have. Now that I’ve retired, I’m finally spending the kind of time with our children that she has been dedicating for years—a commitment she continues to uphold.” His words offered a glimpse into the realities of family life behind the achievements and public attention that come with a sporting career.
Suresh also made it clear that Priyanka's identity extends well beyond being a mother and a cricketer's wife. Praising her professional achievements, he spoke about the hard work she has invested in building her own brand and career. “Priyanka also has her own brand, for which she has worked incredibly hard. She is a mother, but she is also an entrepreneur and a professional peer. She works so hard,” he said. He emphasised that a successful relationship requires both partners to recognise each other's ambitions and contributions. For Suresh, parenting and professional life are not responsibilities that should fall on one person alone, but commitments that couples must navigate together.
Taking the conversation further, the former India batter described parenting as a shared responsibility shaped by the values passed down through generations. He explained that much of what parents learn comes from observing their own parents, grandparents and extended families. Comparing the experience to sport, he said, “In a way, it’s like a sport—the more effort you put in, the greater the rewards. In this case, the ‘medals’ are your children.” He added that raising children requires discipline, patience and responsibility, while also describing parenthood as a profound blessing. His comments reflected a practical approach to family life, where everyday involvement matters as much as the bigger milestones.
Suresh also recalled how he managed fatherhood while juggling a demanding cricket schedule. He credited the franchises he played for, including Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, as well as the Indian team environment, for being supportive of players spending time with their families. Having his children watch him play often made matches more special, he explained. “When your kids are at the ground, you naturally want to give it your all—you want to show them, ‘Look, this is what your dad can do.’” He fondly remembered their reactions when he got out and described the joy of sharing cricketing moments with his wife and children. For him, playing in front of his family brought a sense of comfort and extra motivation.
The appearance comes as Mom Talks: Maa Ki Baat – Maa Ke Jazbaat returns for its second season, bringing celebrity parents together for conversations about motherhood, parenting, family relationships and child well-being. Hosted by Parineeti Chopra, the show aims to explore the emotional and practical realities of raising children through personal stories and expert perspectives. The upcoming season features several celebrity couples and parents, including Suresh and Priyanka Raina, Ayush Sharma and Arpita Khan, Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, alongside other guests. The season is scheduled to premiere in November 2026 on ZEE5 and the BULLET Microdrama app. Through his candid reflections, Suresh has offered a relatable reminder that behind every successful career, family support matters—and that being a present parent is a responsibility best shared by both partners.