Indian captain Virat Kohli admits to mental struggles: Details here
Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli has admitted that he went through mental struggles back in 2014. He recalled the low phase in his career as he battled 'end of the world' thoughts but didn't know how to even express them. Further, the 31-year-old praised Australia's Glenn Maxwell for taking a break in order to tackle mental health issues. Here's more.
Maxwell and Maddinson pull out on mental health grounds
The mental health of cricketers has come into the spotlight after Australia's Maxwell left the national team to take an indefinite break away from the game. Maxwell recognized that he needed a break away from cricket and left the T20I squad against Lanka last month. Another Aussie cricketer, Nic Maddinson, pulled out of Australia A's clash against Pakistan in Perth on mental health grounds.
I think what Glenn has done is remarkable, says Kohli
"You know when you get to the international stage, every player that's in the squad needs that communication - that ability to speak out. I think what Glenn has done is remarkable. He set the right example for cricketers all over the world," Kohli said.
Kohli recalls the phase when he struggled with mental health
"I have gone through a phase in my career where it was end of the world," said Kohli. "In England 2014, I just didn't know what to do, what to say to anyone, how to speak, how to communicate. I could have said that I am not feeling great mentally and need to get away from the game. You never know how that's taken."
'Difficult to figure what's going on in another person's mind'
"To be very honest, you (journalist) guys have a job to do. We guys have a job to do and everyone is focused on what we need to do. It is very difficult to figure out what's going on in another person's mind," Kohli said.
Kohli's most difficult phase came in 2014 tour of England
In the tour of England in 2014, Kohli had a dismal time at the crease. He scored just 134 runs in five Tests at 13.40. His best was 39 in the series as he also notched two ducks. Kohli was criticized heavily by pundits and fans. In India, where the stakes are high, failures often receive intense scrutiny. Mental health issues are often ignored.
Recent cricketers who decided to take time out
Besides Maddinson and Maxwell, the likes of Will Pucovski, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk and Australian women's international Nicole Bolton are other recent examples of cricketers who decided to take time out from the game. It's a laudable fact that the stigma around mental health is continuing to evaporate. With more cricketers coming out, it is something that needs to be backed.
If you are feeling depressed, seek help
In case you need help or know someone who needs it, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Their number is 022 2754 6669. You can also contact the Hyderabad-based Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +918322252525. Sneha India Foundation which works 24X7 can be contacted at +914424640050. Vandrevala Foundation has trained counselors and their number is 18602662345.
