Mental well-being in cricket wasn’t openly discussed until the last few years when players came out to talk about their struggles. Big stars not only addressed it publicly but even opted to unplug themselves from back-breaking schedules, sending a loud message that sports not only a fit body but also a healthy mind. However, not all athletes can stand through this phase.
Recently, England cricket one of its distinguished batters and former coach Graham Thorpe took his own life. The news was disheartening but what his wife revealed lately was even more shocking. Thorpe’s wife Amanda said the former cricketer couldn’t handle anxiety and depression and thus, decided to end his life.
Let’s take a look at cricketers who were vocal about their mental health and gathered the courage to address it.
Ben Stokes
England’s current Test captain Ben Stokes spoke about his mental health back in 2021. He took a six-month break from the sport in 2021 after suffering from panic attacks. In a documentary film, the ace all-rounder revealed that he was still taking anxiety medication and he also speaks regularly with a mental health professional.
Glenn Maxwell
One of the best power hitters in the world, Maxwell took a small break from cricket in 2019. But he returned into action soon and did well in the Big Bash League and for Australia in T20s as well. He got a pat on the back from coach Justin Langer for showing a lot of strength.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli had an ordinary 2014 England series, where he just could not score runs. During a press conference in 2019, he admitted that he had nowhere to go to during his lull period. He had said, “To be honest, I couldn’t have said I am not feeling great mentally and I want to get away from the game because you never know how that’s taken.”
Daniel Sams
Sams first played for Australia in December 2020 in a T20I against India. He had a great Big Bash League before that. But before he could realise his full potential, he battled mental health issues and is on a break from cricket currently as well.
Sachin Tendulkar
Regarded as the world’s best batsman, Sachin talked about dealing with pressure. He also opened up about how he suffered from anxiety during the 10-12 years of his playing career. “I felt the anxiety for 10-12 years and had many sleepless nights before a game. Later on, I started accepting that it was part of my preparation. Then I made peace with the times I was not able to sleep at night. I would start doing something to keep my mind comfortable.”
Jonathan Trott
Former England batter and current Afghanistan coach, Trott too battled mental health issues at the peak of his career. He left the Ashes 2013 in between, stating a ‘long-standing stress-related’ condition as the reason for his decision. He did try to make a comeback in the county circuit, but couldn’t do much there and quit due to anxiety issues.
Maninder Singh
He is the classic case of ‘what could have been’. He was certainly one of the most talented spinners, not only in India but in the world. Maninder Singh’s career ended at a time when many hit their peak. In an interview, he had revealed that he got no help and took to alcohol.
Sarah Taylor
The winner of the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 World Cup, Sarah Taylor was perhaps England’s best keeper-batter, at the time she quit due to her battle with mental health issues. During her entire career, she took quite a few breaks and finally hung her boots due to anxiety.
Suzie Bates
Former NZ skipper Bates suffered mental health issues, and had famously said that ‘cricket is the worst sport for mental health.” The Kiwi last played for the team in 2020.
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