Fatherhood has changed me, will be humble to Kohli & co: Warner

Fatherhood has changed Australia’s opening batsman David Warner. Ahead of the India series at home, the left-hander said he will take a different approach against Virat Kohli’s men — being “humble” and “more respectful” to the opposition.

Australians, including Warner, are known to target opposition players with their aggressive behaviour. But this time, the opening batsman won’t indulge in any verbal duels and will let his bat do the talking.

“The last time we toured in India they really engaged us like that,” the 34-year-old told a conference call, according to news agency AFP.

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“We’re learning over time, especially myself, that if you look not to engage in that you’re almost reversing the effect by ignoring it, trying to take it in, and using your bat,” he added.

Warner, who served a ban due to the ball-tampering scandal, said he won’t retaliate at the Indians if they have a go at him.

“You don’t know the effect (losing your temper) will have on your teammates, so you have to be a bit more humble and be more respectful to the opposition,” he said.

The change in Warner’s attitude is due to fatherhood, he said. “You have to be patient, not get too aggressive, not get angry when the kids aren’t listening. So I’m getting tested on and off the field.”

Warner has three daughters and he shares photos and videos of them on social media. The batsman is quite an entertainer on Instagram with his dance moves for Indian songs. Recently, he captained Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to IPL 2020 playoffs.

India will play three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests during their tour Down Under. The first ODI is in Sydney on Friday (November 27). Kohli will return home after the first Test in Adelaide to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma as they are expecting their first child in January 2021.

During the last visit, India won their first-ever Test series, ending a wait of 71 years. Warner and Steve Smith missed that rubber due to the ball-tampering ban.