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Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar reveals he struggled with anxiety, insomnia during his career

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar reveals he struggled with anxiety, insomnia during his career

The Indian batsman discussed the importance of mental health and acceptability.
17 May, 2021

Record-breaking Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has revealed he struggled with anxiety for much of his career, often suffering sleepless nights before a game.

The “Little Master,” who accumulated more Test and one-day runs than any other player, said he would shadow bat, watch TV and play video games in the small hours when he was unable to sleep.

“In my mind the match started long before I entered the ground. The anxiety levels were very high,” he said, according to the Times of India.

“I felt anxiety for 10 to 12 years, and had many sleepless nights before a game. Later on I started accepting that it was part of my preparation.

“Then I made peace with the times I was not able to sleep at night. I would start doing something to keep my mind comfortable.” Mental health has become a key consideration among athletes, including cricketers and especially during the pandemic when many are spending long periods in bio-secure “bubbles”.

Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests and 463 ODIs during a 24-year international career, said it was vital to accept first that there is a problem.

“When there is an injury, physios and doctors examine you and diagnose what is wrong with you. Same is the case with mental health,” he said.

“It is normal for anyone to go through ups and downs and when you hit those lows you need people around.

“Acceptability is the key here. Not just for the player, for people around him also. Once you have accepted you start looking for solutions. “

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 17, 2021 02:51pm
Too little, too late.
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Shakeel Ahmed May 17, 2021 03:02pm
I can now believe his legs shaking before Shoaib Akhtar bowling.
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Leo May 17, 2021 03:44pm
He was a good batsmen who only went for personal milestones. Given the highest civilian award, and tonnes of money. Now what does he want more?
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RM May 17, 2021 06:18pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Too little too late for what? you are a tool..
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auh May 18, 2021 03:13am
Respect to this great master. one of the best to play the game. everyone has issues. if you think you are perfect then your are delusional
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auh May 18, 2021 03:19am
@Shakeel Ahmed sorry to see that there are people who don’t understand sports don’t respect the legends that make it so great
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A Khan May 18, 2021 03:39am
That ball from Shoaib which hit him on the head brought him down to earth, both literally and figuratively.
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Ali da Malanga May 18, 2021 04:40am
Who cares about Sachin Tandulkar.
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Abdul May 18, 2021 07:55am
One of the greatest players of all time. He is just being honest
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SecondPilot May 18, 2021 09:37am
@Shakeel Ahmed Who told you this? Is this part of the fairy tales Pakistanis tell themselves to feel good while watching their cricket team languish in the 7th and 8th positions in world cricket?
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Dr. Doctor PhD? May 18, 2021 01:29pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad your troll account handlers need to pay better attention as to where you post your, either inane platitudes or irrelevant nonsense, otherwise the very are occasions when you are on point will just be totally ignored. How bout that?
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Fahad May 19, 2021 10:10am
Classy player. Great discipline. Humble and genuine person. It was pleasure watching sachin's crafty shots.
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