Shreevats Goswami Lists Reasons Why An Indian Sportsperson Can't Take The Same Stand On Mental Health Issues As Ben Stokes

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami took to his official Twitter account on Saturday to express his thoughts on the mental issues that an elite spokesperson faces and why an Indian athlete will not take the same stand as Ben Stokes.

The ECB, on Friday, confirmed that star all-rounder Ben Stokes has decided to take an indefinite break from the game in order to address his mental health issues.

With Ben Stokes taking a break from the games, the debate regarding the mental toll that playing in bio-secure bubbles during the ongoing Covid era has once again been triggered.

Taking to his Twitter account, Shreevats Goswami wondered if the same stance can be taken by an Indian spokesperson.

The wicketkeeper-batsman went on to list several reasons why an Indian athlete would be reluctant to open up about his mental health, let alone take a break from the sport.

“With Ben Stokes & other athletes/cricketers now taking breaks for #mentalhealth & their well-being (rightly so) I wonder if any of us in india would ever dare to speak up,kyuki “log kya kahenge”(how will people react).In fact this is still a taboo in ?? to talk about it,” wrote Shreevats Goswami.

Goswami further added that the fear of someone taking his/her place, the fear of people labelling his/her as “soft”, ” weak” and the fear of being subjected to trolling is what prevents an Indian athlete to take such a decision.

“Reasons why athletes in india don’t take #mentalheath or #wellbeing breaks 
Unaware of mental health issue . Pressure is absolutely OK , stress is NOT .
Too much competition , if you take a break your spot will be taking by someone else .
Still a taboo in ?? to speak up
Even if one does , being called names (soft , not interested , can’t take pressure , no focus , interested in oPerceivedngs )
Most people still think ki ,Aisa kuch hota bhi hai ? Perceived as a weak player/individual  (can’t handle pressure) Being subjected to troll,” Shreevats Goswami added.

With Ben Stokes & other athletes/cricketers now taking breaks for #mentalhealth & their well-being (rightly so) I wonder if any of us in india would ever dare to speak up,kyuki “log kya kahenge”(how will people react).In fact this is still a taboo in ?? to talk about it.

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) July 31, 2021

Also Read- He Should Take As Long As He Needs: Rajasthan Royals CEO Extends Full Support To Ben Stokes For His Decision To Prioritize Mental Health Over Cricket