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Suresh Raina believes that BCCI should allow India players to take their families during tours.
Suresh Raina (left) and Virat Kohli. (AFP Photo)
Suresh Raina has stressed on the importance of mental health support and presence of family for India cricketers, shedding light on the toll the challenge to consistently perform at the highest level can have on a player. Earlier this 12 months, BCCI issued guidelines for players limiting the family time on tours after conducting a review of their performances.
Raina admits that cricketers to suffer from mental health issues especially after they are off form. “You do have mental health issues. If you find yourself going through a lean phase and there’s a military gunning in your spot, then such issues crop up,” Raina told Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel.
“You fear being dropped. When chips are down you would like someone to confer with,” Raina added.
Raina, who played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20Is between 2005 and 2018, also identified that players hesitate to speak in confidence to their teammates about mental issues fearing it could reach the team captain, coach or selector which can find yourself impacting their possibilities.
“If you’re completely satisfied, you seldom need anyone. But whenever you’re down, you fear talking considering this may increasingly find yourself reaching the coach or the captain,” he said. “So out of hesitation, players don’t speak out.”
Raina criticised BCCI’s latest rule.
“It is extremely essential to have family on tours. BCCI has taken a giant decision that family will not be allowed – I’m against this,” he said. “You might be sending them to a tour for 2 months…family ought to be allowed. It’s not that they (family) are against the players, they (also) would want us to attain runs and the country to win.”
Raina gave the instance of Virat Kohli to buttress his point
“(Imagine) Virat Kohli playing, his daughter clapping – it’s such a proud moment. He’ll set the stage on fire,” Raina said.
What Is The Latest BCCI Family Rule?
Earlier this 12 months, it was widely reported that the Indian cricket board has reviewed the family time for players after they are on overseas tours. For tours lasting over 45 days, partners and youngsters (under 18) can join for one visit per series (format-wise) of as much as a two-week period.
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and every part that’s cricket from all around the globe. Follow @cricketnext
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