I’ve felt alone: Virat Kohli opens up on mental health struggles, shares tips for athletes ahead of Asia Cup

Eager to stage a sensational comeback in the international arena at the Asia Cup 2022, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli went through a tough phase before the batting icon was rested for the white-ball series between India and the West Indies. One of the finest batters in the history of the game, former Indian skipper Kohli had a disastrous run during India's tour of the United Kingdom (UK) in the 2022 season.

The 33-year-old failed to register a single half-century against hosts England across all formats. Even though Kohli had a mediocre run with the willow, the batting maestro is expected to roar back to form in his next assignment. Kohli will be leading the batting charge of the Rohit Sharma-led side at the Asia Cup 2022. India's blockbuster meeting with arch-rivals Pakistan will also mark Kohli's return to international cricket.

Speaking to Indian Express in an interview, Kohli highlighted the importance of focusing on mental health and the former Indian skipper also shared tips for young athletes. "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. My tips to aspiring athletes would be that yes, physical fitness and focus on recovery is the key to being a good athlete, but at the same time, it is crucial to consistently keep in touch with your inner self," Kohli said.

"I personally have experienced times when even in a room full of people who support and love me, I felt alone, and I am sure that this is a feeling that a lot of people can relate to. So, take out time for yourself and reconnect with your core self. If you lose that connection, it wouldn’t take very long for other things to crumble around you. You need to learn how to compartmentalise your time so that there’s balance. It takes practice like anything else in life, but it’s something worth investing in, that’s the only way to feel a sense of sanity and enjoyment while doing your work," Kohli added.

The 33-year-old believes that recovery is the most important part of an athlete's journey. The former Indian skipper said that he tries his best to prioritize rest by taking good quality sleep. For Kohli, spending time with family is one such thing that helps him unwind after a hectic season. The batting maestro also revealed that he is a coffee connoisseur. Kohli loves trying out different flavours and coffee spots around the world. Kohli-starrer Team India will meet arch-rivals Pakistan in their Ais Cup 2022 opener on August 28.