Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about his struggles with mental health and how he found himself in a “dark space in life.” Ashwin, who was recently named in India’s squad for a two-match Test series against South Africa, spoke about his journey during an interview with former India batter S Badrinath on his YouTube channel ‘Cric It with Badri’.
Ashwin revealed that he sought help for his mental health during a difficult period in his life. He stated, “I am not being diplomatic, but for four to five years (since 2019), I found myself in a very dark space in life, and took help for mental health as well. In the dark space, I realized I have to be ready for any eventuality.”
Despite uncertainties surrounding his future, Ashwin expressed his determination to continue playing as long as he remains motivated. He emphasized the importance of staying passionate about the sport, saying, “I have been preparing for life after cricket for five years. But I continue to work hard on my cricket; to contribute with the bat, I went to the USA and practiced baseball. The day I lose this motivation, I feel irritated about waking up in the morning to bowl or bat, I know it is over. I will then quit immediately, say thanks to all and go on to the next chapter in life.”
Currently, India is competing against Australia in a five-match T20I series, with the hosts leading 2-1. Following this series, India will embark on a tour of South Africa, playing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
India’s squads for the upcoming series have been announced. For the three T20Is, the squad includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Deepak Chahar.
The three ODIs will feature Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Deepak Chahar.
Lastly, the Test squad includes Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), and Prasidh Krishna.
Ashwin’s candid admission sheds light on the importance of mental health in professional sports and serves as a reminder that even elite athletes face personal challenges.
