Battled anxiety for 10-12 years of my career: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the former Indian cricketer, said that he had battled anxiety and had countless sleepless nights for the chunk of his career. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of mental health has gained a lot of prominences, especially with people locked inside their homes.

Talking about staying mentally fit, Sachin said that his pre-game preparations became an important part of his life. In the time when the second wave of the coronavirus is wreaking havoc, the Master Blaster believed that ‘acceptability’ is the key.

The veteran stated how it was important for him to keep his mental state in good shape, keeping in mind the rigours of international cricket. Sachin put forth his opinions during an interaction organised by Unacademy.

I made peace with times I was not able to sleep in the night: Sachin Tendulkar

“Over a 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 told.

“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. Then I made peace with times I was not able to sleep in the night. I would start doing something to keep my mind comfortable,” he stated.

Back in 2013, Tendulkar donned the Indian jersey for the final time in the Test match against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sachin mentioned even during that game, he didn’t deviate from his habit.

“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,” Tendulkar added.

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

Despite battling anxiety, Sachin kept amassing records at ease. Even seven and half years after his retirement, he remains the only batter with 100 tons at the highest level. He is also the all-time highest run-scorer in Test and ODI cricket. Sachin also has a century for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.