R Ashwin opens up about the dark stage in his life, reveals he was prepared 'for any eventuality'

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of India's most decorated cricketers over the years. The off-spinner has bailed Team India on multiple occasions and has become an inevitable part of the Indian Test squad. He was also a part of India's World Cup squad as Axar Patel failed to get match fit in time.

3 things you need to know

• Ravichandran Ashwin has been a pivotal part of the Indian Test team
• He is currently 9th in the highest wicket taker's list
• mental health has been a huge concern in sports

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Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on mental health issue

Mental health has often been a severe issue in sports. Athletes have often struggled to cope with stress and other mental aspects and we have seen some of them taking an indefinite break to concentrate more on their mental issues. Ashwin revealed he was also at the receiving end a few years back and had to get help to get back to his normal condition. The spinner who only played a single match in the World Cup said on S Badrinath's YouTube channel, "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.

“I have been preparing for life after cricket for five years. But I continue 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.”

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Ashwin has also been included in the two match Test series against South Africa and is expected to take part in both the matches.

India’s squad for South Africa Test series

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.