In a historic moment for Indian cricket, seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently reached two significant milestones, completing 100 Test matches and claiming 500 wickets during the Test series against England. Ashwin’s remarkable achievement comes amidst India’s resounding 4-1 victory over the English side, led by captain Rohit Sharma.
Reflecting on his journey, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the mental health challenges he faced, shedding light on the impact of societal perceptions and familial dynamics on his well-being. In a candid conversation with Indian Express, the 37-year-old spinner delved into the complexities of mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity.
“There are layers of mental health. Some people can succumb to pressure. Some are on the road all the time and can get jaded. Sometimes you are in a very dark place in your life that you want to talk to someone,” Ravichandran Ashwin shared, highlighting the multifaceted nature of mental well-being.
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Ravichandran Ashwin recounted moments of vulnerability, recalling how comments from his family, particularly his father, deeply affected him. He described an incident where his father’s words left him emotionally distraught, leading to periods of isolation and introspection. Despite his stoic exterior, Ashwin revealed the inner turmoil he experienced, grappling with doubts about his career and purpose.
“My wife is a wonderful listener, but she had a very young family and I was not giving her enough time. One fine day, we were having a conversation. My dad said something. And some internal affair of the house had broken down. And I said something to my dad… And he eventually threw a statement ‘You know what? You are too upright and honest. That’s why you are getting screwed.’ He made that statement and left. I am not someone who is emotive,” Ravichandran Ashwin shared, reflecting on the profound impact of familial dynamics on his mental state.
“I started weeping, locked myself in my room, wanted to quit cricket… Then I sought external help,” R Ashwin opens up on mental health issues and how the perceptions of him being an ‘over-thinker’ affected his leadership chances. https://t.co/JD6nrwVrNR
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) March 18, 2024
Amidst moments of despair, Ashwin contemplated leaving cricket altogether, exploring alternative career paths such as pursuing an MBA. However, he ultimately sought external assistance, acknowledging the transformative power of professional support in reshaping his perspective and renewing his commitment to the sport.
“I decided to quit cricket. I was asking myself what would I do? And I said whatever I do in life, I would try to achieve excellence and be as good as I can be in that profession… That’s when I sought some external help and it changed my life for the better,” Ravichandran Ashwin revealed, underscoring the significance of seeking clarity and guidance during times of uncertainty.
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Ashwin’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges. As he continues to inspire with his on-field achievements, his openness about his struggles offers hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles, fostering a culture of support and empathy within the sporting community and beyond.
