Sachin Tendulkar reveals about his anxiety battles during his cricket playing days.
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday opened up about his battles with anxiety during his cricketing days. Tendulkar who is known as the ‘GOD’ of cricket said that anxiety was important for his pre-game preparation.
During these testing times of the global pandemic, the teams are bound to be in the bio-bubble which has raised concerns about the mental health of the players. Tendulkar said that acceptability is the key.
“Over period of time I realised that besides preparing physically for a game, you have to prepare yourself mentally also. In my mind the match started long before I entered the ground. The anxiety levels were very high,” Tendulkar said in an interaction organised by Unacademy.
“I felt the anxiety for 10-12 years, had many sleepless nights before a game. Later on I started accepting that it was part of my preparation. The I made peace with times I was not able to sleep in the night. I would start doing something to keep my mind comfortable.”
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The 48-years old further explained he used to do shadow batting, watch TV, make a cup of tea for himself and play video games to comfort his mind in the wee hours of the day.
“Making tea, ironing my clothes also helped me prepare for the game. I would pack my bag the day before the game, my brother taught me all of it and it became a habit. I followed the same drill even in the last match I played for India,” said the 48-year-old, who retired after playing his 200th Test match in 2013.
Every player in his career goes through a lot of ups and down but if you start to accept the things as it is, then life becomes much easier for you reckon the former cricket great.
“When there are injuries, you go to the doctor and they examine and explain to you what’s wrong. The same is the case with mental health. It is absolutely okay for one to go through multiple ups and downs and when you hit those lows you need people around you.”
“Acceptability is the only option and is the key to come out. When you start accepting it, you look for solutions.”
Tendulkar remembered an incident that improved his bat swing. He said a hotel staff member brought him a dosa and while putting it on the table he gave me some advice. He pointed out that my elbow guard was restricting my bat swing and which was actually the case.
He also thanked all the frontline workers who are constantly working for hours to bring us out of his pandemic.
