Cricket – One Day International Series – England v India – Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, UK – 17 July 2022, Virat Kohli of India bowls to Jos Butler of England from Lee Topley action image via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff After being caught, walk.

MUMBAI (Reuters) – India’s batting talisman Virat Kohli said the recent drought was affecting health and that he had faked its intensity to show that all was well.

Kohli and other leading cricketers, including England Test captain Ben Stokes, have been outspoken about their mental health concerns. He said he suffered from depression after his failure.

One of the world’s best hitters in his prime, the former India captain endured a prolonged lean patch and has failed to score an international century since scoring his 70th goal in a Test match in November 2019. was.

After a month’s rest, Kohli, who skipped the Indian whiteball tour of the West Indies and Zimbabwe, is back in action at the Asian Cup.

“For the first time in 10 years, I haven’t touched the bat in a month,” Kohli told Asian Cup broadcaster Star Sports.

“You’re telling yourself, ‘No, I have intensity.’ But your body is telling you to stop. Your mind is telling you to take a break and take a step back.” I am saying.”

England’s Stokes said this week he took a long break from cricket last year to focus on his mental health after experiencing a panic attack after losing his father almost two years ago.

India kicked off its Asian Cup title defense against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, with experts favoring Kohli’s return to form.read more

“I’m seen as a very strong man mentally, and I am,” Kohli added. Otherwise, the situation could become unhealthy.

“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been depressed. It’s normal, but we’re hesitant to talk about it. We don’t want to look weak. Believe me. Pretending to be strong is much worse than admitting to being weak.”

Reported by Sudipto Ganguly.Edited by Hugh Lawson

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.