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Sports
Former Indian Cricketer Says Being Dropped from Team Triggered Depression
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 26 Oct 2026, 11:40 AM
👁 16
A former Indian international cricketer revealed that being omitted from the national side led him into a depressive spell, questioning his performance.
A former Indian international cricketer opened up to The Times of India about the personal toll of being left out of the national squad. He described a period of deep sadness and self‑doubt after the selection decision, asking himself, “What did I do wrong?”
The player said the exclusion not only affected his career prospects but also triggered a depressive episode that lasted several weeks. He recounted sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and a sense of isolation that made it difficult to focus on training or daily life.
Mental health experts have long warned that high‑pressure sports environments can exacerbate anxiety and depression, especially when athletes face abrupt changes in status. The cricketer’s disclosure adds to a growing list of Indian sportspersons speaking publicly about psychological struggles.
He urged cricketing authorities and fellow athletes to prioritize mental‑wellbeing support, suggesting that counseling services and open dialogue could help prevent similar crises among current and future players.
The player said the exclusion not only affected his career prospects but also triggered a depressive episode that lasted several weeks. He recounted sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and a sense of isolation that made it difficult to focus on training or daily life.
Mental health experts have long warned that high‑pressure sports environments can exacerbate anxiety and depression, especially when athletes face abrupt changes in status. The cricketer’s disclosure adds to a growing list of Indian sportspersons speaking publicly about psychological struggles.
He urged cricketing authorities and fellow athletes to prioritize mental‑wellbeing support, suggesting that counseling services and open dialogue could help prevent similar crises among current and future players.