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Robin Uthappa, who won the 2007 T20 World Cup, has opened up about his battle with clinical depression. The former wicket-keeper batsman shared his experiences to raise awareness about mental health issues in sports.
“We are going to be talking about depression and suicide. We recently heard about Graham Thorpe and David Johnson from India. V.B Chandra Sekhar sir who was the rock of CSK. I have been there as well. It’s not a pretty journey. It’s debilitating. You feel like you are a burden to the people you love. It’s challenging. You feel like you are worth less,” Robin Uthappa said in a video on YouTube.
Uthappa’s remarks come in the wake of the tragic news about former English cricketer Graham Thorpe, affectionately known as ‘Thorpy’ by fans. His wife and two daughters courageously disclosed that he had taken his own life earlier this month.
Mental health remains a seldom-discussed topic in sports. With athletes facing increasing pressure, Uthappa’s initiative to speak out is a valuable effort to break the stigma and address these challenges openly.
“We have heard about multiple people, who have ended their lives due to depression. I personally have been there as well. It’s heavy, that’s how it feels. I have often felt when I was going through clinical depression, to be a burden. I was seeking answers,” he added.
Throughout his nine-year international career, Uthappa accumulated 1,183 runs across 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, including six half-centuries. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2022.
Uthappa’s IPL career significantly overshadowed his international appearances, as he featured in 205 matches and amassed 4,952 runs at a strike rate of 130.35. Over his 15-year stint with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, the now-defunct Pune Warriors, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals, he made a substantial impact.
