‘It’s not a thing to be frowned upon, to laugh about’ – Abhinav Mukund opens up on mental health and youngsters dying by suicide

Abhinav Mukund, the veteran Indian cricketer, reckons that ‘toughening up’ as an individual is an aspect that is very relative, and not everyone has the capacity to garner mental strength on their own. The 31-year-old batsman opened up while speaking on the Late PK Dharma, who Mukund reckoned was ‘naturally gifted’ and could smash the leather a long distance.

Mukund heaped praises on him, calling him a ‘phenomenal athlete’ and someone, who could swing the ball as well. Going down the memory lane, the southpaw said that Dharma and he went to the same school and he led the youngster in junior-level cricket.

Back in June 2012, Dharma passed away at the age of 20 in a suspected case of suicide after playing two List A matches for Tamil Nadu. Mukund put forth his opinions in the podcast ‘Red inker’ with Jarrod Kimber.

It’s something I have been quite vocal about: Abhinav Mukund

“With regards to suicide, I think, the awareness should be a lot more. But I am really sorry, I have to take a stance on this, toughening up statement is something that you might be able to do, but I won’t be able to. I understand to toughen up is a very easy thing to say, but it’s very relative. So, what means for you to toughen up might not be for me,” Mukund said.

Mukund, who has played seven Tests for Team India, stated that Indian cricket needs to be more proactive about mental health issues. As per the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer, the options for ‘seeking out help’ in tough times should be encouraged.

“It’s something I have been quite vocal about, it’s kind of missing in the entire Indian system itself. There are a couple of IPL teams that have brought sports psychologists on board. But it’s a difficult thing to offer for younger kids, that’s the target audience,” he stated.

“It’s not a thing to be frowned upon, to laugh about, it’s not a taboo anymore. It’s just that the available options could increase, the options of seeking out help,” Mukund added.

Mukund also understands that he not likely to play another game in the IPL. After making his international debut in 2011, he last donned the national jersey in the 2017 tour of Sri Lanka.