In a country that worships cricketers, it is not easy being married to one and working not only as the anchor for their families but also soaking in the behind-the-scenes pressure so that their husbands can give their best on the field.
The second edition of News18 SheShakti provided a platform to two such women — Puja Pabari Pujara, wife of Cheteshwar Pujara, and Priyanka Chaudhary Raina, wife of cricketer Suresh Raina — who shared their struggles and tips to balance all aspects of their families.
Being held in New Delhi, the summit promises an inspiring line-up of pioneers from diverse fields — politics, science, arts, business, sports, and entertainment — who will share their ground-breaking journeys and insights on empowerment, resilience, and leadership, reflecting the unstoppable momentum of women leading India’s progress.
Puja Pabari Pujara, a mother, manager, and homemaker, said the media painted a glamorous picture of the wives which was far from the truth. “People think we just travel and live the best life. But little do they know that cricketers live a very disciplined life and the family has to follow. It just looks glamourous on the outside but inside, there are challenges, sweat and everything in between.”
Priyanka Chaudhary Raina, who is also the co-founder of Maate, said social media was responsible for the rosy picture painted of the players’ lives but, in reality, “our home is just like anyone else’s… we have the same struggles and challenges as everyone else”.
Raina said she would not use the word “sacrifice” to explain the struggles that partners went through as “it’s one family unit”. “Our common objective is making a home full of love, discipline, and the right environment for our children. While we sacrifice at times by putting our issues on the backburner, they sacrifice too by travelling for months, not being able to see their children which takes a toll on them.”
Explaining her role, Raina said it is important for wives to ensure that the cricketers are mentally and emotionally relaxed.
Pujara, meanwhile, said sometimes it is important for one partner to take a step back so that the other one can flourish. “My husband requested me that he would be on the road for 11 months a year and if I could quit my 9-6 job, I could spend more time with him. I think everyone’s journey is different and so is the demand of my family. I had to take a backseat but doesn’t mean I was doing nothing concrete. You can contribute in many ways.”
The women were also pleasantly surprised as their husbands, in recorded messages, praised them for being the anchor in their hectic lives and managing all aspects of their lives.
Both Raina and Pujara, while discussing parenting, said it was a difficult task for every person, more so for a partner who was managing the children alone.
Raina, while discussing her venture, said she wanted to do something of her own so that she would have enough time on her hands for her children. “My partners know my first priority is my children. My team is always there for me when I am not around.”
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