In the relentless world of international cricket, mental well-being often takes a backseat. Ishan Kishan, the dynamic opening wicketkeeper-batter for India, has recently opened up about his hiatus from the sport due to mental fatigue. Following his inclusion in the World Cup squad last year and his appearances in all three formats for India, Kishan has found himself distanced from the national team. Without making himself available for domestic cricket with Jharkhand, Kishan’s return to the national stage appears uncertain.
The cricketer was named in the squads for the South Africa tour last year but chose to withdraw due to mental exhaustion. According to Kishan, the strain of continual travel while being benched for several series over months drained him mentally. This led to his decision to take a break from cricket. Kishan has recently resumed practice for the IPL 2024, training alongside Hardik Pandya, but his choice to skip the Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand left selectors and fans believing he was faring well yet unwilling to play domestic cricket. Consequently, he was excluded from the central contract list.
In a candid interview with the Indian Express, Kishan shared his personal challenges for the first time since the situation unfolded. “I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. However, I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right, and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and a few close people, no one understood that,” Kishan lamented.
Kishan described the past few months as incredibly difficult. “Today I don’t want to say that everything was fine. It was not easy for me at all. You go through a lot. Mere dimag mein ye sab chalta raha ki yaar kya hoga gaya, kyu ho gaya, mere saath kyu (Questions like what happened, why it happened with me only?).
. All these things happened when I was performing,” he added, emphasizing the mental turmoil he endured.
The lack of understanding and acceptance of mental fatigue within the sports community adds another layer of challenge for athletes like Kishan. Cricket is often seen as a physically demanding sport, but the psychological pressure can be equally taxing. The intense scrutiny, coupled with a jam-packed schedule, leaves little time for recovery, both physically and mentally. Kishan’s situation underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems within the sports fraternity.
Despite the challenges, Kishan remains resolute in his ambition to return to the Indian team. He is determined to deliver stellar performances in the domestic season for Jharkhand, which he believes will pave the way for his comeback. “I know what I am capable of, and I am working hard to get back. My focus is on having a good domestic season. That is the first step towards being considered for a central contract and subsequently returning to the national side,” Kishan asserted.
The cricketing world has witnessed instances where players took breaks to address mental fatigue. Glenn Maxwell, for instance, took a break from international cricket citing similar reasons and made a strong comeback. Kishan’s openness about his struggles might inspire others in similar situations to seek help and prioritize their mental health.
This episode also brings attention to the importance of domestic cricket in India. Domestic performances are crucial for securing a place in the national team. Kishan’s decision to skip domestic games has evidently impacted his standing with the selectors, reinforcing how integral domestic cricket is for a player’s growth and national prospects.
For fans and selectors alike, Kishan’s candid discussion about mental fatigue paints a relatable yet alarming picture of the unspoken pressures athletes face. The Indian cricket board and other governing bodies must heed this call and bolster mental health support for players, ensuring they not only excel but also maintain their well-being.
As Kishan gears up for the upcoming domestic season, fans hope to see him back in form, donning the Indian jersey with vigor and confidence. His journey underscores the essential balance between physical training and mental well-being, reminding the cricketing world that athletes, too, need time to recharge and recover.
