Mental health a challenge, important to maintain balance: Dravid

Former India captain and batting great Rahul Dravid feels maintaining good mental health is a "big challenge" in a "tough game" like cricket and players should strike a balance in everything they do to overcome the stress of busy schedules and uncertain futures.

Speaking to 'ESPNCricinfo', Dravid, who is the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Director, said it is difficult to cope when one spends a considerable time on the sidelines.

"It is a big challenge. This is a tough game. There is so much competition, a lot of pressure, and kids are playing all year round now. It is a game in which you do sometimes spend a lot of time waiting around, having a lot of time to think," he said when asked for his take on the issue.

Three Australian cricketers, including the seasoned Glenn Maxwell and young Will Pucosvski, recently took a break from the game, citing mental health issues.

India skipper Virat Kohli lauded Maxwell for opening up on the subject and recalled a time in his own career when he battled "end of the world" thoughts but struggled to communicate them.

Dravid, who is mentoring India's young cricketers in multiple roles, said stiff competition demands that players pay enough attention to their well-being.

"....you really need to look after yourself on and off the field, and look after stuff like mental health. That's again something that, as much as we talk to these boys about, it's really important to maintain a certain level of balance in everything you do," he said.

"Be able to find that balance between not getting too excited when you succeed and not getting too disappointed when you fail. I just think being able to lead a slightly balanced life potentially helps."
"It's one of the things we are definitely keen on doing at the NCA: giving some of these boys access to some level of professional help if they do require it."