In 2017, Ravichandran Ashwin faced a tough decision after being dropped from India’s white-ball cricket team, despite being named ICC’s Player of the Year the year before.
Feeling lost and without clarity about his future in cricket, Ashwin contemplated leaving the sport altogether. He considered pursuing an MBA and a career in marketing as alternative paths.
Ashwin’s struggles were compounded by a lack of communication from team management about why he was excluded. His wife noticed his distress, highlighting the challenges he faced.
Ashwin found it difficult to share his feelings with his family, as cricket’s environment often felt like a corporate world filled with politics. He was surprised and hurt by his father’s blunt remarks, leading to moments of deep sadness.
Feeling overwhelmed, Ashwin isolated himself and cried for a long time. He felt he was burdening his family and lost interest in cricket.
Ultimately, Ashwin sought counseling and decided to continue his cricket career. This decision changed his life for the better.
“My dad said something. And some internal affair of the house had broken down. And I said something to my dad. My dad and I fight a lot. And he eventually threw a statement, ‘You know what? You are too upright and honest. That’s why you are getting screwed.’ He made that statement and left. I am not someone who is emotive. I would like to think I am pretty strong but I just locked myself away. And then I started weeping. I was crying for a long time. I didn’t expect my dad to say that. I don’t think he even realized what he did,” Ashwin shared.
“I thought I am putting people in my house through a lot. I used to lock myself in the room. I never watched cricket. My room used to be dark all the time,” he added. Considering the options that laid in front of him, which included pursuing a degree in MBA and a career in marketing, Ashwin finally decided to get outside counselling. “It changed my life for the better.”