Ravichandran Ashwin Retires At 38: When Indian Spinner Sought Help For Mental Health, Study On Cricketers' Emotional Rollercoaster

Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year career. The announcement came shortly after the drawn third Test match against Australia at the Gabba in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. "This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats of the game at the international level," R Ashwin said in a post-match conference. 

🇮🇳 Ravichandran #Ashwin retires from International Cricket!

Test Career Stats:
🏏 Matches: 106
☝️ Wickets: 537 (India’s 2nd highest)
🏆 37 Five-Wicket Hauls | 8 Ten-Wicket Matches
💯 6 Test Centuries

An all time Great. Good Bye, Ash!pic.twitter.com/tGPMb4prs8

— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) December 18, 2024

Throughout his journey, he has often been called a mastermind with a ball but there was a time when he sought help for his mental health. Ashwin opened up on his mental health struggles and revealed that he was in a ‘dark space in life’ for around 4-5 years. The statement highlights how cricketers at the peak of their careers often go through an emotional rollercoaster of thoughts. 

“I found myself in a very dark space in life,” said Ravichandran Ashwin 

During a conversation on YouTube channel, ‘Cric It with Badri’, the veteran spinner shared about his mental health struggles. Ravichandran Ashwin said, “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.” During this phase, he realised that he has to be ready for mental health struggles eventually.

In recent years, cricketers often talk about their mental health struggles. In the same conversation, he detailed how he has been preparing for life after cricket for five years. “The day I lose the motivation, I feel irritated about waking up in the morning to bowl or bat, I know it is over. I will then quit immediately,” he added. 

ALSO READ: Diljeet Dosanjh Indulges In Kashmiri ‘Kahwa’: Expert Shares Benefits Of This Traditional Drink

How Cricketers Often Go Through ‘Rollercoaster’ Of Mental Health Emotions

A study by Loughborough University explores how cricketers experience extreme highs and lows in the sport. The study found that there had been a lack of academic interest in the subject. It also highlighted the mental health experiences of current and former professional cricketers, revealing a complex interplay of factors affecting their well-being. 

External pressures, such as short-term contracts and job insecurity, can harm their mental health. Transitional phases in their careers, from joining an academy to leaving the sport, further increase the challenges. 

ALSO READ: Ind Vs Aus: Nitish Kumar Reddy Once Suffered From Sports Hernia, What Is This Medical Condition

However, the study also highlighted the positive aspects of a cricket career which include a sense of belonging, travel opportunities, and the thrill of playing in front of large crowds. Such factors can enhance the mental well-being of cricketers. 

Researchers further emphasised that cricketers must foster healthy habits, such as maintaining strong support networks and engaging in activities like meditation and exercise. Effective communication from coaches is also essential for promoting player welfare. Understanding individual needs and providing regular feedback can significantly benefit mental health.