Virat Kohli opens up on depression: I was the loneliest guy in the world

Indian superstar Virat Kohli has revealed that he struggled with depression and felt like the “loneliest guy in the world” after failing with the bat during a tour of England in 2014.

PICTURE | QUINTON DE KOCK DID GO FISHING – AND LANDED A MONSTER CATCH!

Virat Kohli, one of the highest-paid athletes in the world with a net worth of $26 million, also said that a chat with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar helped him through the mental-health crisis.

The 32-year-old batsman made the revelations on a podcast with English commentator and former cricketer Mark Nicholas.

READ | CHRIS MORRIS SMASHES ALL-IPL RECORD AUCTION PRICE

“I did (feel depressed). It’s not a great feeling to wake up knowing that you won’t be able to score runs and I think all batsmen have felt that at some stage that you are not in control of anything at all,” said Virat Kohli, who is adored by millions of fans for his tough and competitive on-field persona.

“You just didn’t understand how to get over it. That was a phase when I literally couldn’t do anything to overturn things…I felt like I was the loneliest guy in the world.”

DID YOU KNOW? | FAF DU PLESSIS THE 18TH SA PLAYER TO RETIRE WITH AVERAGE OF 40+

The Indian skipper averaged just 13.50 from five Tests in that series, which India lost 3-1 after drawing the opener.

Virat Kohli said he felt lonely despite having supportive people in his life.

READ | CRICKET IS FULL OF CRAZY STATS BUT THIS ONE TAKES THE BIRTHDAY CAKE!

“Personally, for me that was a revelation that you could feel that lonely even though you are a part of a big group,” said the cricketer, who married top Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma in 2017.

“I won’t say I didn’t have people who I could speak to but not having a professional to speak to who could understand what I am going through completely, I think is a huge factor.”

READ | CSA LODGES OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WITH ICC AFTER AUSTRALIA TOUR CANCELLED

Virat Kohli added that he heeded advice from Tendulkar about letting the feeling pass instead of fighting it.

“If you start fighting that feeling, it grows stronger. So, that is the advice I took on board and my mindset really opened up from then on.”

IN CLOSING | CHRIS MORRIS: THE MOST EXPENSIVE VIDEO YOU’LL WATCH TODAY

Kohli is currently leading India against England in a four-Test home series tied 1-1.

TRENDING | 10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MAKHAYA NTINI