Aranya Doloi
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India skipper Virat Kohli has come out in support of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s courage for taking a break from cricket because of mental health issues. The explosive Australian batsman decided to take an indefinite break from the game, citing mental health conditions, and left Australia’s T20 squad last month during their series against Sri Lanka.
Virat Kohli, ahead of India’s first Test against Bangladesh in Indore, praised Maxwell for putting his health before the game as he said, “I am absolutely for it. What Glenn has done is remarkable and has set the right example for cricketers all over the world that if you’re not in the best frame of mind you try, and try and try, but as human beings you reach a tipping point at some stage or the other. And you need time away from the game. Not to say you give up, but just to gain more clarity”. The Indian skipper further emphasized that mental illness shouldn’t be taken in a negative way and should be rather respected as everything happens “at a human level”.
Virat Kohli, when asked for his views on Glenn Maxwell’s decision, also recalled the torrid time when he was struggling to deal with his ordinary performances on the England tour of 2014. The ace batsman, referring to the 134 runs he managed from 10 innings during the England tour, said, “I have gone through a phase in my career where it was the end of the world. In England 2014 I just didn’t know what to do, what to say to anyone, how to speak, how to communicate. I could have said that I am not feeling great mentally and need to get away from the game. But you never know how that’s taken. These things should be of great importance. If you think that the player is important enough for the team or for Indian cricket to go forward he should be looked after. It should be fine for cricketers to take a break and try and return refreshed”.
Glenn Maxwell missed a T20I against Sri Lanka and was not part of Australia’s series against Pakistan earlier this month. The move by the 31-year-old was backed by his team and support staff with Cricket Australia saying he was a “special player” and they hoped to see him back soon. Further, following Maxwell’s sabbatical, Australia batsman Nic Maddinson also took a break by withdrawing from Australia A’s tour game against Pakistan to focus on mental health issues.
On the cricket front, the first test between India and Bangladesh starts in Indore on November 14, which is followed by the series decider at Eden Gardens, Kolkata where Team India is set to play their first-ever day-night Test.
