'Was In Dark Space For 4-5 Years' - Ravichandran Ashwin Opens Up On His Mental Health Struggles

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about his mental health struggles. He revealed that since 2019 he found himself in a dark space and also took help for his mental health.

During a recent interaction with PTI, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that for four to five years, he struggled a lot with his mental health. He added that during that phase he realized that he has to be ready for every situation. He elaborated:

“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 realised I have to be ready for any eventuality.”

Since the last few years, many cricketers have opened up about their mental health issues. England cricketer Ben Stokes, Virat Kohli, and many others opened up about their dark phase. However, they have overcome that phase now and are going strong.

Ravichandran Ashwin now seems to be in a good space as he was seen enjoying his game recently. He was part of the Indian squad for the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023. The spinner played one game but was quite happy with the team’s success.

I have been preparing for life after cricket for five years – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin further talked about his future. He revealed that he’s looking for life after cricket. While talking about his retirement, he said that the day he feels irritated to bowl or bat he will call time on his career. He explained:

“I have been preparing for life after cricket for five years. But I continued to work hard on my cricket; to contribute with the bat, I went to the USA and practised 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.”

Ravichandran Ashwin has been named in the Indian squad for the Test series against South Africa. He’s likely to play a crucial role for the team in the series.