Recently Virat Kohli spoke about the importance of focusing on mental health, especially for young athletes who are surrounded by substantial scrutiny and pressure. The former Indian captain himself is going through such a phase when he faces criticism for not scoring runs or being unable to get his 71st international hundred.
Kohli has been under the pump for quite a long time now. His lack of runs and poor form has become one of the most-discussed topics in the cricket fraternity. But still, he is fighting with himself to get back on the right track as he gears up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, starting August 27 in the UAE.
“For an athlete, the sport can bring the best out of you as a player but at the same time, the amount of pressure that you are constantly under can affect your mental health negatively. It is definitely a serious issue and as much as we try to be strong at all times, it can tear you apart,” Kohli told The Indian Express.
“My tips to aspiring athletes would be that yes, physical fitness and focus on recovery are the key to being a good athlete, but at the same time, it is crucial to consistently keep in touch with your inner self,” he added.
Kohli said it was important for athletes to rest and recover from the pressures of sport and reconnect with their “core self”.
“If you lose that connection, it wouldn’t take very long for other things to crumble around you.”
