Ben Stokes to take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect (update #86)

[Zaz]

Stokes came to England as a 12 year old and started playing cricket in England.

He is as English as another homegrown English cricketer - they provided him with the environment to become the player he is today.

England have traditionally produced a lot of soft players but every now and then they do produce big hearted players as well, such Botham. Stokes is cut from the same cloth.

The first 12 years of his environment is what made him the player he is today

Yes he might have learnt his cricket here but as a boy his character and personality was moulded in nz and thats where he got his competitive edge from in that environment

Remember you were talking about his character and personality not his skills

 

[Mamoon]

The first 12 years of his environment is what made him the player he is today

Yes he might have learnt his cricket here but as a boy his character and personality was moulded in nz and thats where he got his competitive edge from in that environment

Remember you were talking about his character and personality not his skills

I disagree.

For me, what made his character was the fact that he moved to a new country at the age of 12, and as soon as he moved to this new country, he got involved in a competitive sport.

It must not be easy at all for young Stokes. Remember he grew up in a town that was predominantly white British, he must have a strong Kiwi accent then and no friends around him.

He was all on his own in that environment and he had to be competitive to climb through the ranks and prove himself to be better than all the white British kids.

Remember Stokes has criminal tendencies. Possibly because he might have been bullied at school because of his Kiwi accent.

Perhaps cricket is what has saved him from a life of crime and hard drugs. It proved a distraction for a 12 year old New Zealand kid who was trying to integrate into a white British area and make new friends.

Had he stayed in New Zealand in his comfort zone with familiar surroundings and friends, he might not have developed the character and resilience that he has today.

It is very, very simplistic to say that he became the man he is today because of his brought up in New Zealand at the age of 12, and England simply got lucky because they got hold of him.

People take potshots at England for benefiting from foreign players but they fail to recognize the contribution England have made to their development as cricket players as well as individuals.

It is particularly ironic when these potshots come from British Pakistanis and British Indians who have done the same but in different fields.

They too left their home countries and the UK gave them an opportunity - a platform to better their lives. They have worked hard but they have also been given opportunities. Had they stayed back, their lives and their future generations’ lives would have been drastically different and it is possible that most of them would be worse off.

These people should have some gratitude towards their adopted country and the opportunities that they have been provided with, which I am sure these England cricketers with foreign origins do.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I disagree.

For me, what made his character was the fact that he moved to a new country at the age of 12, and as soon as he moved to this new country, he got involved in a competitive sport.

It must not be easy at all for young Stokes. Remember he grew up in a town that was predominantly white British, he must have a strong Kiwi accent then and no friends around him.

He was all on his own in that environment and he had to be competitive to climb through the ranks and prove himself to be better than all the white British kids.

Remember Stokes has criminal tendencies. Possibly because he might have been bullied at school because of his Kiwi accent.

Perhaps cricket is what has saved him from a life of crime and hard drugs. It proved a distraction for a 12 year old New Zealand kid who was trying to integrate into a white British area and make new friends.

Had he stayed in New Zealand in his comfort zone with familiar surroundings and friends, he might not have developed the character and resilience that he has today.

It is very, very simplistic to say that he became the man he is today because of his brought up in New Zealand at the age of 12, and England simply got lucky because they got hold of him.

People take potshots at England for benefiting from foreign players but they fail to recognize the contribution England have made to their development as cricket players as well as individuals.

It is particularly ironic when these potshots come from British Pakistanis and British Indians who have done the same but in different fields.

They too left their home countries and the UK gave them an opportunity - a platform to better their lives. They have worked hard but they have also been given opportunities. Had they stayed back, their lives and their future generations’ lives would have been drastically different and it is possible that most of them would be worse off.

These people should have some gratitude towards their adopted country and the opportunities that they have been provided with, which I am sure these England cricketers with foreign origins do.

Be grateful to the nation that plundered and looted your country? ROFL. How about no.

I live in Australia and I am grateful for that but I don't think Indians in India or Pakistan have any obligation to show gratitude towards England of all places.

 

[Zaz]

I disagree.

For me, what made his character was the fact that he moved to a new country at the age of 12, and as soon as he moved to this new country, he got involved in a competitive sport.

It must not be easy at all for young Stokes. Remember he grew up in a town that was predominantly white British, he must have a strong Kiwi accent then and no friends around him.

He was all on his own in that environment and he had to be competitive to climb through the ranks and prove himself to be better than all the white British kids.

Remember Stokes has criminal tendencies. Possibly because he might have been bullied at school because of his Kiwi accent.

Perhaps cricket is what has saved him from a life of crime and hard drugs. It proved a distraction for a 12 year old New Zealand kid who was trying to integrate into a white British area and make new friends.

Had he stayed in New Zealand in his comfort zone with familiar surroundings and friends, he might not have developed the character and resilience that he has today.

It is very, very simplistic to say that he became the man he is today because of his brought up in New Zealand at the age of 12, and England simply got lucky because they got hold of him.

People take potshots at England for benefiting from foreign players but they fail to recognize the contribution England have made to their development as cricket players as well as individuals.

It is particularly ironic when these potshots come from British Pakistanis and British Indians who have done the same but in different fields.

They too left their home countries and the UK gave them an opportunity - a platform to better their lives. They have worked hard but they have also been given opportunities. Had they stayed back, their lives and their future generations’ lives would have been drastically different and it is possible that most of them would be worse off.

These people should have some gratitude towards their adopted country and the opportunities that they have been provided with, which I am sure these England cricketers with foreign origins do.

Ignoring your silly but familiar rant in the end we ll have to agree to disagree

At the end of the day its your early years that mould you as a person and character and shape your outlook and development

 

[MenInG]

England’s premier cricketer Ben Stokes finally lived up to his reputation of being the world’s most fearsome all-rounder as he put on a show of belligerent hitting during the second one-day international against India at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Friday.

Chasing a mammoth 337-run target, Stokes single-handedly stole the show and turned the match in England’s favour with his extraordinary hitting. He hammered 99 runs off just 52 balls that included 10 huge sixes and four boundaries. However, Stokes missed out on a well-deserved century which would have been his fourth ton in the 50-over format.

Distraught after missing the elusive three-figure mark for England, the 29-year-old Stokes immediately looked up to the heavens and said ‘SORRY’ to his late father after getting out on 99. Stokes looked gutted as he makes the long way back to the pavilion.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India’s leading pacer, picked up Stokes wicket with a sharp short ball. He rushed the left-hander into the pull stroke and induced a bit of glove on its route through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Earlier during the second ODI, Stokes received another official warning from the on-field officials after he mistakenly applied saliva on the match ball during the Indian innings in the second ODI on Friday.

The incident occurred in the fourth over, when Stokes was found to have forgetfully applying saliva on the ball and promptly the on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Virender Sharma warned skipper Jos Buttler. Incidentally, he also took a catch in the slips in the same over to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan of Reece Topley.

Applying saliva has been banned by the ICC after matches resumed post COVID-19 forced break.

As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the ball was sanitized before proceedings resumed.

This is the second time that Stokes has been warned on this tour for applying saliva on the ball. The first instance happened during the Pink Ball Test in Ahmedabad, last month.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...vs-england-2nd-odi-in-pune-watch-video-975432

 

[MenInG]

Ben Stokes withdraws from England Men's Test Squad*

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that England Men's all-rounder Ben Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect.

Stokes has withdrawn from England's Test squad ahead of the LV= Insurance Test series against India starting next week to prioritise his mental wellbeing and to rest his left index finger, which has not fully healed since his return to competitive cricket earlier this month.

The ECB fully supports Ben's decision, and we will continue to help him during this period away from the game.

Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, said:

"Ben has shown tremendous courage to open up about his feelings and wellbeing.

"Our primary focus has always been and will continue to be the mental health and welfare of all of our people. The demands on our athletes to prepare and play elite sport are relentless in a typical environment, but the ongoing pandemic has acutely compounded this.

"Spending significant amounts of time away from family, with minimal freedoms, is extremely challenging. The cumulative effect of operating almost continuously in these environments over the last 16 months has had a major impact on everyone's wellbeing."

"Ben will be given as long as he needs, and we look forward to seeing him playing cricket for England in the future."

Stokes will be replaced in the squad by Somerset's Craig Overton.

We request that privacy is given to Ben and his family during this time.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Will he play the hundred?

 

[Last Monetarist]

Will he play the hundred?

No, it's a complete break. They are hoping he will be back in time for the World T20.

 

[Saj]

Will he play the hundred?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that England Men's all-rounder Ben Stokes will take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect.

 

[Sherlock]

Good on him. Mental health of anyone, and particularly athletes that are going through the rigours of the national team and being put into a bio-bubbles, being away from the family and having to travel the country to play sport before empty stands (until recently) - will do so much damage to ones health.

Glad to see more and more sportsmen and women put their health first rather than their careers.

 

[street cricketer]

Wish the best for him. Biles, Osaka and now Stokes with a break due to mental health - shows how tough it is for the top athletes. Although they have served to break the stigma over mental health somewhat, can't imagine something like this happening a few decades ago and it's for the better now.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Won't be surprised if he makes a comeback in the remaining season of IPL this year just to get acclimatize with the conditions in UAE.

 

[Ab Fan]

Given the amount of cricket that these all format players play, it is bound to happen. They need that break to come back well refreshed.

Btw, just checked stats, Stokes LOI stats are even worse than the overhyped Pandya .

 

[gazza619]

Its sad that a cricketer from Pakistan can only dream of taking a break for mental illness.

Mental illness is a real thing and the abuse Pakistani cricketers get from our fans and in particular former players is disgusting.

 

[iniqbal223]

Its sad that a cricketer from Pakistan can only dream of taking a break for mental illness.

Mental illness is a real thing and the abuse Pakistani cricketers get from our fans and in particular former players is disgusting.

Fans still they can ignore; because still they are outliers
But, main problem is our ex cricketers who don't give respect to anyone; that's why my opinion, we will never have sustained progress in cricket when our ex cricketers are in any position

- Misbah is an epitome of what happens in our dressing room; poorly pathetic

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Its sad that a cricketer from Pakistan can only dream of taking a break for mental illness.

Mental illness is a real thing and the abuse Pakistani cricketers get from our fans and in particular former players is disgusting.

It is due to ignorance, in Desi culture we seriously lack knowledge regarding mental health.

Saeed Anwar ended his career soon after a family tragedy.

I think Haris Sohail has had some problems as well.

Stokes is taking a brave and correct decision, hopefully ECB/fans will provide him space to breathe.

 

[shortbread]

Its sad that a cricketer from Pakistan can only dream of taking a break for mental illness.

Mental illness is a real thing and the abuse Pakistani cricketers get from our fans and in particular former players is disgusting.

A MVP cricketer like Stokes knows he can walk back into the team after a break. Apart from 3-4 players in the Pakistan XI, rest of them know how mediocre they are and insecure of getting dropped anytime. So will never take a break fearing shutters on their insipid careers.

 

[Mamoon]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

 

[Usman]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

Never ever belittle someone's mental health. You are not inside Stokes' head and so you are no one to judge. The only thing pathetic and indefensible here are your comments.

Being wealthy doesn't mean you cannot suffer from mental health issues, otherwise no rich person would ever commit suicide. Financial security is not the only thing that affects mental health. And in any case, money cannot buy you happiness.

I have listened to Marcus Trescothic speak about his experience and it certainly was not some wealthy cricketer being soft. What he described as going through his mind was downright scary. His inability to control it was even scarier.

Stokes lost his father not long ago and, given he took time away to be with his dad before his passing, suggests they were close. Maybe he is struggling still to cope with his loss. I'm just guessing here but my point is that even if Stokes had a trillion pounds, that still wouldn't bring his dad back. So having money won't solve all of Stokes' problems.

 

[Tubs]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

A very disappointing and irresponsible take from a doctor, and someone who usually has very good takes.

I feel like, perhaps, the desire to play the contrarian and ruffle some feathers takes over at times.

 

[Mamoon]

Never ever belittle someone's mental health. You are not inside Stokes' head and so you are no one to judge. The only thing pathetic and indefensible here are your comments.

Being wealthy doesn't mean you cannot suffer from mental health issues, otherwise no rich person would ever commit suicide. Financial security is not the only thing that affects mental health. And in any case, money cannot buy you happiness.

I have listened to Marcus Trescothic speak about his experience and it certainly was not some wealthy cricketer being soft. What he described as going through his mind was downright scary. His inability to control it was even scarier.

Stokes lost his father not long ago and, given he took time away to be with his dad before his passing, suggests they were close. Maybe he is struggling still to cope with his loss. I'm just guessing here but my point is that even if Stokes had a trillion pounds, that still wouldn't bring his dad back. So having money won't solve all of Stokes' problems.

Money won’t bring his father back or solve whatever his problems are, but neither would sitting on his couch watching his country play a depleted side in such a massive series.

Mental health is not exclusive to elite athletes. It is across the board. Unfortunately, most people do not have the privilege to take a “mental health” vacation, go AWOL for a few months and then walk back in whenever they feel like without facing any repercussions and consequences.

If the try to pull this stunt, they would be fired from their jobs, jobs that they don’t even like or at least waa not their dream job to begin with unlike professional athletes.

Stokes is not the only person who has lost his father. People have lost their fathers while being on duty and they didn’t have the luxury of walking away from their jobs because they have no job security.

These days, people are so touchy about this mental health topic because they are scared of being labeled judgmental. No one has the guts to speak his/her mind anymore.

This is absolutely pathetic by Stokes and he deserves to be criticized. There is no excuse/justification for backing out of such a massive series for his country. England were not going to find him hanging himself from his ceiling fan in his room had he played in this series.

You bet that a lot of people in ECB including Joe Root are livid with this decision and have lost a lot of respect for him but they cannot say anything publicly because they know they would get blasted by the touchy, woke crowd who see mental health problems as a fashion statement these days.

Money doesn’t solve all your problems but it certainly solves a lot more problems than poverty. Stokes wouldn’t have dared to walk out on his job if he knew that it could cost his career. All he is doing is abusing his status and value to the England cricket team and he is being allowed to get away with it because this is 2021 and no one is allowed to speak his/her mind anymore.

 

[Mamoon]

We live in an age where apparently it justified and rational for a world class player in the prime of his career, who is absolutely crucial for his team’s success, and whose absence cost his team their last series, to walk out of a hugely important series.

This is when you start to feel that you are losing passion and desire for the sport. The world has gone mad.

This is sort of behavior would have been unthinkable few generations back and heavily criticized and for good reason.

The concept of team spirit and national pride has gone to the dogs. It is all about individuals these days. No one is prepared to roll his sleeves and fight out it anymore.

Everyone’s looking for excuses to put himself/herself above the team. What is hilarious and sad is that we are seeing this behavior in individual sports as well, where talented young tennis players with genuine shots of winning a grand slam are walking away from the opportunity because they don’t feel good about themselves.

Imagine a young Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Serena Williams, Sampras etc. walking out of grand slams because they don’t feel good mentally.

It was a different time where such behavior was not encouraged and promoted by the cancerous social media and of course the lunatic “woke” culture.

 

[Mamoon]

We will see more and more of this in the future, and guess what, the suicide rate among athletes will not go down. Why? Because it does not solve anything.

Stokes will not be a better man when he returns. He will not feel much different about himself. He will just be a selfish man who went missing at a time when his team badly needed him.

Imagine Viv Richards backing out of the 1979 World Cup because of mental health issues or Kapil Dev refusing to captain India in 1983 because he had mental health problems, or Imran not captaining Pakistan in 1987 because his mother died in 1985, or Wasim Akram retiring in 1997 when his diabetes was diagnosed and he was “mentally disturbed” to continue playing cricket.

Younis Khan lost his father and two brothers in the space of 2-3 years and he didn’t miss a single Test match.

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz played for Netherlands in Euro 2008 days after his infant daughter died.

Unfortunately for them, none of that happened in the social media/woke era boom where selfishness and individuality are viewed as the most important virtues.

 

[OMB]

We will see more and more of this in the future, and guess what, the suicide rate among athletes will not go down. Why? Because it does not solve anything.

Stokes will not be a better man when he returns. He will not feel much different about himself. He will just be a selfish man who went missing at a time when his team badly needed him.

Imagine Viv Richards backing out of the 1979 World Cup because of mental health issues or Kapil Dev refusing to captain India in 1983 because he had mental health problems, or Imran not captaining Pakistan in 1987 because his mother died in 1985, or Wasim Akram retiring in 1997 when his diabetes was diagnosed and he was “mentally disturbed” to continue playing cricket.

Younis Khan lost his father and two brothers in the space of 2-3 years and he didn’t miss a single Test match.

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz played for Netherlands in Euro 2008 days after his infant daughter died.

Unfortunately for them, none of that happened in the social media/woke era boom where selfishness and individuality are viewed as the most important virtues.

Woke or Joke but for Ben Stokes the reality is that he needs a break and that is all that matters. If that upsets few people then it’s to be expected as anything sporting icons do gets commented.
As far as fans are concerned, it is a setback for cricket but which should be fine. It is not as if Ben stokes was born yesterday and doesn’t understand the repercussions of what he is doing.

 

[Mobashir]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

For once, completely agree!

So disappointed by Stokes. He didn't look to be like this.

The interest I had in the series Vs India is also gone.

 

[offstump]

Money won’t bring his father back or solve whatever his problems are, but neither would sitting on his couch watching his country play a depleted side in such a massive series.

Mental health is not exclusive to elite athletes. It is across the board. Unfortunately, most people do not have the privilege to take a “mental health” vacation, go AWOL for a few months and then walk back in whenever they feel like without facing any repercussions and consequences.

If the try to pull this stunt, they would be fired from their jobs, jobs that they don’t even like or at least waa not their dream job to begin with unlike professional athletes.

Stokes is not the only person who has lost his father. People have lost their fathers while being on duty and they didn’t have the luxury of walking away from their jobs because they have no job security.

These days, people are so touchy about this mental health topic because they are scared of being labeled judgmental. No one has the guts to speak his/her mind anymore.

This is absolutely pathetic by Stokes and he deserves to be criticized. There is no excuse/justification for backing out of such a massive series for his country. England were not going to find him hanging himself from his ceiling fan in his room had he played in this series.

You bet that a lot of people in ECB including Joe Root are livid with this decision and have lost a lot of respect for him but they cannot say anything publicly because they know they would get blasted by the touchy, woke crowd who see mental health problems as a fashion statement these days.

Money doesn’t solve all your problems but it certainly solves a lot more problems than poverty. Stokes wouldn’t have dared to walk out on his job if he knew that it could cost his career. All he is doing is abusing his status and value to the England cricket team and he is being allowed to get away with it because this is 2021 and no one is allowed to speak his/her mind anymore.

Actually, everyone is allowed to speak their mind these days.. it’s what you’re doing on this forum day in and day out. Good employers these days are investing in mental health for their employees, and are actually encouraging people to come out and talk about their mental struggles. Your posts on this topic are absurd, you’re making assumption about Ben Stokes and what his teammates are thinking as if you’re inside the dressing room and part of the English team WhatsApp chat group. Just because everyone doesn’t have the privilege of taking mental health days doesn’t mean it’s wrong for those that can to do so. Your argument makes no sense because you wouldn’t apply this to other aspects of life.

 

[pillionrider]

I'd have respected his decision a bit more, if he'd felt this disconsolate before the IPL and pulled out from that

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

We live in an age where apparently it justified and rational for a world class player in the prime of his career, who is absolutely crucial for his team’s success, and whose absence cost his team their last series, to walk out of a hugely important series.

This is when you start to feel that you are losing passion and desire for the sport. The world has gone mad.

This is sort of behavior would have been unthinkable few generations back and heavily criticized and for good reason.

The concept of team spirit and national pride has gone to the dogs. It is all about individuals these days. No one is prepared to roll his sleeves and fight out it anymore.

Everyone’s looking for excuses to put himself/herself above the team. What is hilarious and sad is that we are seeing this behavior in individual sports as well, where talented young tennis players with genuine shots of winning a grand slam are walking away from the opportunity because they don’t feel good about themselves.

Imagine a young Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Serena Williams, Sampras etc. walking out of grand slams because they don’t feel good mentally.

It was a different time where such behavior was not encouraged and promoted by the cancerous social media and of course the lunatic “woke” culture.

Great to see glimpses of the OLD legendary Mamoon (circa 2013-15) who speaks his mind and calls a spade a spade.

The NEW Mamoon is a pale shadow of the older version imho.

I know you have been consistent in your views reg this but its been a long time since I saw you call stuff out.

All the India and Kohli hero worship (regardless of the outcome) was getting a bit tiring to read.

Kohli dropped out of the Aus series and my God...would he have had regrets regarding that.

Tho I hope Ben doesn't get to regret this tour like Kohli. lol.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I hate the woke crowd as much as anyone, but I think Ben Stokes is perfectly entitled to take a break from cricket if he feels he can't give 100% to the team. The situation is not remotely comparable to Virat Kohli walking out on the Indian team in Australia last winter.

Each person has his own way of dealing with grief, I don't think anyone is entitled to tell Stokes to get over the loss of a parent and effectively lump it.

In any case, I have a thousand times more sympathy with Stokes than any member of the England squad demanding to be rested from the Ashes due to quarantine restrictions.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

. The situation is not remotely comparable to Virat Kohli walking out on the Indian team in Australia last winter.
.

Yes the situation is not comparable, leaving for the birth of a child is way more important than taking break for mental health although both are fair and players shouldn't be judged based on that.
Just because you used the phrase "remotely comparable" without listing any arguments doesn't make it true.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Yes the situation is not comparable, leaving for the birth of a child is way more important than taking break for mental health although both are fair and players shouldn't be judged based on that.
Just because you used the phrase "remotely comparable" without listing any arguments doesn't make it true.

That's a matter of opinion and depends ultimately on a person's life perspective, experience, and values. I'm not going to waste time convincing anyone.

I agree that players shouldn't be judged based on these breaks, it's sport at the end of the day.

 

[King_Kohli]

Great to see glimpses of the OLD legendary Mamoon (circa 2013-15) who speaks his mind and calls a spade a spade.

The NEW Mamoon is a pale shadow of the older version imho.

I know you have been consistent in your views reg this but its been a long time since I saw you call stuff out.

All the India and Kohli hero worship (regardless of the outcome) was getting a bit tiring to read.

Kohli dropped out of the Aus series and my God...would he have had regrets regarding that.

Tho I hope Ben doesn't get to regret this tour like Kohli. lol.

When will you stop bringing Kohli in every thread?
Your post has no relevance,doesn't make sense at all.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

For once, completely agree!

So disappointed by Stokes. He didn't look to be like this.

The interest I had in the series Vs India is also gone.

Are you sure? I don't agree with 'greatest Asian Test team of all time' in his post.

 

[King_Kohli]

Ajinkya Rahane Says Bubble Life Is Extremely Challenging; We Respect Ben Stokes’ Decision To Take A Break From Cricket

India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said that he respects England all-rounder Ben Stokes’ decision to pull out of the upcoming five-Test series between England and India which begins from August 4. Stokes, who recently captained England to a 3-0 ODI series win over Pakistan, has taken an indefinite break from all cricket.

Stokes, who is still recuperating from his finger injury which he had sustained during the first half of the IPL 2021, was called up to lead the England ODI team in an emergency. He had been playing in the Hundred as well, but recently shocked one and all with his decision, saying that he needed to prioritize his mental health over the sport.

From The Players’ Point Of View, What Ben Stokes Did, It Was His Call: Ajinkya Rahane
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) respected his decision and selected Craig Overton as his replacement in the Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against India.

When questioned about the same, Ajinkya Rahane admitted that bubble life was extremely challenging and taxing on a cricketer’s mental health. He added that the effect might vary from person to person, but he respects the decision taken by Stokes.

“Bio-bubble life is really challenging. From the players’ point of view, what Ben Stokes did, it was his call. You have got to understand the player’s mindset as well. It’s all about how we experience it. Because when you play at the highest level, you want to give your best, more than a hundred percent, and your mental health matters a lot. So we respect that. We respect his decision. I am sure his teammates also respect his decision,” Ajinkya Rahane said during the post-match media conference.

You Have To Understand What The Player Is Going Through In That Difficult Moment: Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane further continued to share his thoughts about the toll taken by the bio-bubble on the mental health of international players. The Test vice-captain stated that the entire India contingent respected the England all-rounder’s decision to take a break.

“I think it’s all about understanding the player’s headspace. You have to understand what the player is going through in that difficult moment. So we respect the decision, whatever he did, it was his call. But yes, it is tough, it is challenging as a player as a team to be in the bio-bubble continuously and give your best all the time takes a lot,” he said.

The first Test match between England and India will begin on August 4 in Trent Bridge.

https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/ajinkya-rahane-says-bubble-life-is-extremely-challenging-we-respect-ben-stokes-decision-to-take-a-break-from-cricket/

 

[Ab Fan]

Good decision if he can make this break count once he is back. Bio-bubble is very challenging and never easy.

Wish we were also allowed a couple of months break from our work life. Would have been really refreshing.

 

[Concerned]

Just so you know, Stokes is entitled to do what he wants and how he wants.

Seems to be a number of internet psychologists and doctors on the forum to question his mental health and start making comparisons.

It just happens he is able to take a break whilst others might not be fortunate enough to do so.

 

[princeuk]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

I dont normally agree with your posts but I agree with them re ben stokes, whereas I eel sorry for him that he has mental health problems but being a multi millionaire he had many other ways of dealing with it but he decides to take time off before a very important series and I cant forgive him for it, could he not have taken time off during the one days/t20s and played the tests but it is hat it is now , funny how Simone Billings and Naomi Osaka were critisiced but Ben stokes has received sympathy all-round, white male priviledge perhaps.

 

[Mamoon]

So Ben “I am a quitter” Stokes is sitting in his lounge, watching his team reeling against India when he could have made the difference today.

I am sure he must be feeling great about his mental health right now. This is what he needed - leave his team high and dry right before such an important series.

 

[globalcitizen]

Great to see glimpses of the OLD legendary Mamoon (circa 2013-15) who speaks his mind and calls a spade a spade.

The NEW Mamoon is a pale shadow of the older version imho.

I know you have been consistent in your views reg this but its been a long time since I saw you call stuff out.

All the India and Kohli hero worship (regardless of the outcome) was getting a bit tiring to read.

Kohli dropped out of the Aus series and my God...would he have had regrets regarding that.

Tho I hope Ben doesn't get to regret this tour like Kohli. lol.

Family comes first. There was absolutely nothing for kohli to regret from that series.

And same for Ben , mental health is topic not discusses openly and if some one bravely reveals and takes a stand, should appreciate it.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

So Ben “I am a quitter” Stokes is sitting in his lounge, watching his team reeling against India when he could have made the difference today.

I am sure he must be feeling great about his mental health right now. This is what he needed - leave his team high and dry right before such an important series.

He won the world cup for England, not much you can expect from a hired kiwi. Also, we want to see real Englishmen vs real Team India. Don't want to see an English team comprising of Proteas, kiwis, Pakistanis, Irishmen vs Team India. Just shows how great Team India is

 

[Forum363]

So Ben “I am a quitter” Stokes is sitting in his lounge, watching his team reeling against India when he could have made the difference today.

I am sure he must be feeling great about his mental health right now. This is what he needed - leave his team high and dry right before such an important series.

Absolutely hilarious your double standards. At least try and be consistent if you’re going to play the contrarian.

In terms of the garbage you posted, so according to you, people who have high paying jobs and/ or doing their dream job should not be allowed to have mental health issues? So in your opinion it’s not possible for a poor person in Africa to have better mental health than a rich Banker…? Amazing. You’re a doctor.

You question Ben’s mental health but the dude got smashed for those 6s in the final of the T20s World Cup. Many sportsmen wouldn’t come back from that. He had that criminal case hanging over his head, the scrutiny from the media, the chance he could end up in jail.

And yet he came back and put in ATG performances. You’ve been supporting Archer like no tomorrow despite his awful attitude, moaning all the time and breaching bubbles. And were behind him with everyone saying it’s a tough time when he had to isolate for a few days in a five star hotel. All because he ‘won England the world cup’. There’s no player who can claim to have singlehandedly contributed as much to their teams victory in any World Cup final that I can remember, as Stokes did in 19.

 

[Itachi]

mental health issue is a serious one and I don't think it's a mistake or cowardice in part of stokes to take a break.

However, it seems like England players have way more mental breakdowns than other teams. Which may point to something wrong in the system. I am not blaming the players, but the system. May it be the cricket structure or the social construction as a whole, it seems like British cricketers are more vulnerable to mental breakdowns than other cricketers.

For contracted players I believe ECB should appoint personal consultants to teach them how to deal with stress which could appear any aspect of life.

The list is too long to ignore.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Money won’t bring his father back or solve whatever his problems are, but neither would sitting on his couch watching his country play a depleted side in such a massive series.

Mental health is not exclusive to elite athletes. It is across the board. Unfortunately, most people do not have the privilege to take a “mental health” vacation, go AWOL for a few months and then walk back in whenever they feel like without facing any repercussions and consequences.

If the try to pull this stunt, they would be fired from their jobs, jobs that they don’t even like or at least waa not their dream job to begin with unlike professional athletes.

Stokes is not the only person who has lost his father. People have lost their fathers while being on duty and they didn’t have the luxury of walking away from their jobs because they have no job security.

These days, people are so touchy about this mental health topic because they are scared of being labeled judgmental. No one has the guts to speak his/her mind anymore.

This is absolutely pathetic by Stokes and he deserves to be criticized. There is no excuse/justification for backing out of such a massive series for his country. England were not going to find him hanging himself from his ceiling fan in his room had he played in this series.

You bet that a lot of people in ECB including Joe Root are livid with this decision and have lost a lot of respect for him but they cannot say anything publicly because they know they would get blasted by the touchy, woke crowd who see mental health problems as a fashion statement these days.

Money doesn’t solve all your problems but it certainly solves a lot more problems than poverty. Stokes wouldn’t have dared to walk out on his job if he knew that it could cost his career. All he is doing is abusing his status and value to the England cricket team and he is being allowed to get away with it because this is 2021 and no one is allowed to speak his/her mind anymore.

Nobody knows what Stokes is feeling or going through, so it's lame to judge him.

For Stokes the Ashes are the biggest series, nobody in the UK sees playing India at home as some sort of great importance where you must play even if you're not mentally right. He is preparing himself for the big Ashes series.

Good luck to him, looking forward to seeing him back soon.

 

[sharmaji]

I really like your posts, and I agree in principle, with your view on wokeness, but I don't think Stokes is riding the mental health wave or using the fake victim card.

For athletes, just as they have to be physically fit to be match ready, they have to be mentally-fit as well. And only Stokes could tell how mentally fit/unfit he is for the India series. To me, he genuinely looks unwell. There were signs all along. Ever since his dad passed away, he seemed dull/lost and hadn't been performing at his best (at IPL, test series in India, series against Pak).

By opting out, he is actually doing England a favour: now a more motivated and mentally fit/healthy player can take his place in the team and give his best. It's not like Stokes is being irresponsible and deliberately jeopardising Eng cricket team (say by breaking covid protocol or doing illegal things). He is unwell and not match-ready, what is he supposed to do?

Maybe this break from cricket would do him good, who knows. If anything, Stokes has definitely earned this break; he is one of the finest cricketers of this generation.

So Ben “I am a quitter” Stokes is sitting in his lounge, watching his team reeling against India when he could have made the difference today.

I am sure he must be feeling great about his mental health right now. This is what he needed - leave his team high and dry right before such an important series.

 

[sharmaji]

mental health issue is a serious one and I don't think it's a mistake or cowardice in part of stokes to take a break.

However, it seems like England players have way more mental breakdowns than other teams. Which may point to something wrong in the system. I am not blaming the players, but the system. May it be the cricket structure or the social construction as a whole, it seems like British cricketers are more vulnerable to mental breakdowns than other cricketers.

For contracted players I believe ECB should appoint personal consultants to teach them how to deal with stress which could appear any aspect of life.

The list is too long to ignore.

Maybe because there is just more awareness in the English camp?

I think many sub-continent players are not educated enough to understand the importance of mental health in sports. I am sure players like Rahane, Pujara, Angelo Mathews, Sarfaraz etc are going through a lot of mental stress and would benefit from counselling sessions with psychologists and should be made aware of various aspects of mental health and how to improve it to raise their game and their confidence in general.

I once read somewhere that as a society becomes more civilised, the citizens become more sensitive. Maybe this is one such instance?


I think there is a tremendous need

 

[Varun]

Let's wait until the IPL comes around in a couple of months before taking a call on this.

 

[Concerned]

Let's wait until the IPL comes around in a couple of months before taking a call on this.

More than likely Stokes would play in the IPL - it’s just one of the leagues everyone able to recover for.

 

[KingKhanWC]

More than likely Stokes would play in the IPL - it’s just one of the leagues everyone able to recover for.

Perhaps you know more?

Stokes may just be a little tired physically and mentally. It doesnt mean he's suffering in a major way. A break against India, who England can beat without him maybe all he needs right now.

 

[Concerned]

Perhaps you know more?

Stokes may just be a little tired physically and mentally. It doesnt mean he's suffering in a major way. A break against India, who England can beat without him maybe all he needs right now.

I know the monetary benefit the IPL brings to the players which miraculously makes everyone available.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I know the monetary benefit the IPL brings to the players which miraculously makes everyone available.

Nothing more than an assumption he will continue to suffer for the Indian ruppee.

 

[silentkiller187]

More than likely Stokes would play in the IPL - it’s just one of the leagues everyone able to recover for.

He will play in the ipl as a “warm up” for the World Cup, probably quit test matches soon after and focus on where the money is.

 

[gazza619]

Is this going to be the modern way of taking a break from international cricket for big names?

What are the chances that Stokesy would have asked for a break for depression just before the IPL kick off?

Food for thought.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

England team doesn't look the same without him.

 

[gazza619]

England team doesn't look the same without him.

Yep he adds 50 runs per innings. England would have scored 440 instead of 390 in the 1st innings with Stokes in the line up.

 

[someone21]

It might be unpopular. But this mental health is luxury only. Stokes is an elite and, has choices and luxury to choose. A common man has no choices, nor can worry about their state of mind, they have to work continuously.

I cannot sympathize with elites talking about mental health.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Mental health issues are taken very lightly and they can be just as debilitating as some of the other horrible diseases. Stokes is a tough guy though. I am inclined to believe there must be something real wrong with him to be taking a break.

But yes, athletes have been becoming way too soft and should be doing all they can when they have way less exhaustive jobs compared to regular people who work 6 days a week 9-5.

 

[Forum363]

It might be unpopular. But this mental health is luxury only. Stokes is an elite and, has choices and luxury to choose. A common man has no choices, nor can worry about their state of mind, they have to work continuously.

I cannot sympathize with elites talking about mental health.

It’s staggering the amount of supposedly educated people on this thread who seem to think that depression and mental health should only happen to poorer people.

And that anyone with money / fame etc should not be suffering.

Have you not wondered about the fate of most child celebrities, of many famous people going off the rails and committing suicide? Do you know any extremely wealthy people and those that are around them - how many of them are suffering with mental health issues.

 

[Mamoon]

Is this going to be the modern way of taking a break from international cricket for big names?

What are the chances that Stokesy would have asked for a break for depression just before the IPL kick off?

Food for thought.

No chance. He would be conveniently in a good space by the time the IPL resumes.

 

[someone21]

It’s staggering the amount of supposedly educated people on this thread who seem to think that depression and mental health should only happen to poorer people.

And that anyone with money / fame etc should not be suffering.

Have you not wondered about the fate of most child celebrities, of many famous people going off the rails and committing suicide? Do you know any extremely wealthy people and those that are around them - how many of them are suffering with mental health issues.

Again, you underestimate choices. Anybody with choices, to even work or not, is luxury position.

Sure, every human have problems. Yet rich people have choices and thus more potential solutions. Common man and their problems have no takers, so why should elites get so much attention?

 

[Forum363]

Again, you underestimate choices. Anybody with choices, to even work or not, is luxury position.

Sure, every human have problems. Yet rich people have choices and thus more potential solutions. Common man and their problems have no takers, so why should elites get so much attention?

I’m not underestimating choice, you’re misunderstanding mental health. It’s not like the root cause has anything to do with the availability or lack of choice.

Why do so many people with essentially unlimited money to do whatever or go whereever they want - ie unlimited choice - end up committing suicide or admitted into hospital.

And I understand they have more resources but your point should be - legs ignore their mental health problems because they’re rich and famous. Well frankly they are getting MORE attention because they’re famous… that’s the whole point. Their fame means, if they have a car accident they will make headlines. You can’t then discount it and say their mental health shouldn’t exist or shouldn’t be accounted for because they have resources.

 

[Robert]

Loss of mental health is horrible. I have had to take time off work out of fear. Chest pain, bad stomach, insomnia, mind out of control.

A dear friend of mind is in a psychiatric ward right now.

Boycott, Gooch, Gower, Botham all made themselves unavailable for England at times.

Let’s show a bit of compassion for Stokesy who has given so much pleasure to fans.

 

[someone21]

I’m not underestimating choice, you’re misunderstanding mental health. It’s not like the root cause has anything to do with the availability or lack of choice.

Why do so many people with essentially unlimited money to do whatever or go whereever they want - ie unlimited choice - end up committing suicide or admitted into hospital.

And I understand they have more resources but your point should be - legs ignore their mental health problems because they’re rich and famous. Well frankly they are getting MORE attention because they’re famous… that’s the whole point. Their fame means, if they have a car accident they will make headlines. You can’t then discount it and say their mental health shouldn’t exist or shouldn’t be accounted for because they have resources.

Everybody has problems, and common man deals with it within their own group. Yet, some elites nowadays go out to talk about their mental struggles publicly, then it becomes marketing and propaganda. They want sympathy only.

The greater issue is happiness. And we have a saying, khali dimag shaitan ka ghar. It's true with or without money. But, money creates choices that brings solutions and opportunities. Thus, the contradiction of mental health issues

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

Everybody has problems, and common man deals with it within their own group. Yet, some elites nowadays go out to talk about their mental struggles publicly, then it becomes marketing and propaganda. They want sympathy only.

The greater issue is happiness. And we have a saying, khali dimag shaitan ka ghar. It's true with or without money. But, money creates choices that brings solutions and opportunities. Thus, the contradiction of mental health issues

It is not our place to comment on another’s mental health and why they are going through what they are.

There seems to be some elitism with regard to how people handle their issues versus these athletes.

 

[someone21]

It is not our place to comment on another’s mental health and why they are going through what they are.

There seems to be some elitism with regard to how people handle their issues versus these athletes.

Once you make problems public, comments are meant to happen. So, I can fairly comment on my view about elites propaganda.

Mental health is serious issue, and people get struck into it. And if person have choices, they are not serious about it.

 

[Forum363]

Everybody has problems, and common man deals with it within their own group. Yet, some elites nowadays go out to talk about their mental struggles publicly, then it becomes marketing and propaganda. They want sympathy only.

The greater issue is happiness. And we have a saying, khali dimag shaitan ka ghar. It's true with or without money. But, money creates choices that brings solutions and opportunities. Thus, the contradiction of mental health issues

He is a public figure. It’s not possible for him to keep something like this secret. What do you want him to say? Lie and pretend it’s an injury? Give some vague answer like ‘there are some personal issues?’

If anything, by him being open and telling the truth, it draws light on the issue and helps poorer people without the resources. A truck driver is much more likely to be taken seriously when someone as high as Stokes has admitted to suffering.

 

[gazza619]

He is a public figure. It’s not possible for him to keep something like this secret. What do you want him to say? Lie and pretend it’s an injury? Give some vague answer like ‘there are some personal issues?’

If anything, by him being open and telling the truth, it draws light on the issue and helps poorer people without the resources. A truck driver is much more likely to be taken seriously when someone as high as Stokes has admitted to suffering.

I will take Stokes serious when he withdraws from IPL.

 

[Forum363]

I will take Stokes serious when he withdraws from IPL.

With all due respect, no one cares whether you take Stokes serious.

His participation in the ipl doesn’t change how people are discarding the mental health issue.

 

[someone21]

He is a public figure. It’s not possible for him to keep something like this secret. What do you want him to say? Lie and pretend it’s an injury? Give some vague answer like ‘there are some personal issues?’

If anything, by him being open and telling the truth, it draws light on the issue and helps poorer people without the resources. A truck driver is much more likely to be taken seriously when someone as high as Stokes has admitted to suffering.

Again, mental health is a serious thing. Genuine cases, cannot choose when to start or end the problem. Here, these elites conveniently choose when to both start and end their so called mental struggles.

Thus, my argument that, “choice” itself makes it luxury, and I dont take elites seriously on such matters.

Also, its a treading and cool topic nowadays which has created fakeness. Like many Gen Z call themselves OCD just because they like cleaning. That is so wrong, as OCD is an obsession, and mind boggling disorder which is a serious issue.

 

[Ab Fan]

England need to find a spark from somewhere as they are missing their MVP in this series, Ben Stokes. They have been behind in both the matches Vs India and if not for rain could have been 0-2 behind.

 

[MP2011]

Yep he adds 50 runs per innings. England would have scored 440 instead of 390 in the 1st innings with Stokes in the line up.

As if things are as linear and straightforward in real life!

 

[Robert]

As if things are as linear and straightforward in real life!

Stokes could have been out of form and scored no runs. Though he would improve the terrible catching. We can’t say what could have happened, only what is happening.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Quitting sporting events seems to be a fashionable thing to do in the athletic world these days.

We are seeing this nonsense across the board in various sports. Way too many quitters who are softer than a plush pillow.

If these entitled multi-millionaires are complaining about mental health, then I worry about the mental health of people who are struggling to put food on the table for their families, have no jobs, or are stuck in jobs that they hate.

Earning millions and being a professional athlete in a sport that you love must be so hard, not to mention spending time in luxury hotels because of the pandemic while other people have lost their livelihoods because of the same pandemic.

This is what happens when you make more money then you deserve. They lose drive and determination to win.

Stokes is an all-time great cricketer, what he has done for England over the past 2-3 years is nothing but legendary, but it is incredibly disappointing to see him walk away from England right before such a hugely important series against the greatest Asian Test team of all time.

Absolutely pathetic and indefensible.

Dude, these are a very poor comments for a doctor. Mental health issues are a real thing. And a lot of it comes from overwork and exhaustion . Mental health issues affect one and al - destitute or millionaire. People ARE entitled to take time off for their own well being. It's unfortunate that the poor cannot afford to do that but that doesnt it make it wrong for sports persons to do it

 

[gazza619]

With all due respect, no one cares whether you take Stokes serious.

His participation in the ipl doesn’t change how people are discarding the mental health issue.

I do not for one second doubt that mental illness and depression are not real things.

The point I am trying to put across is that not one single cricketer has withdrawn from IPL because of depression since its inception 13 years ago. That is too big a sample and that is what worries me.

 

[OMB]

I do not for one second doubt that mental illness and depression are not real things.

The point I am trying to put across is that not one single cricketer has withdrawn from IPL because of depression since its inception 13 years ago. That is too big a sample and that is what worries me.

Are you implying that IPL doesn't cause depression or that no one withdraws from IPL even if depressed?
btw IPL has nothing to do with Stokes depression. He took time away from Eng cricket

 

[gazza619]

Are you implying that IPL doesn't cause depression or that no one withdraws from IPL even if depressed?
btw IPL has nothing to do with Stokes depression. He took time away from Eng cricket

I find it weird that foreign cricketers are depressed playing at home but not depressed when IPL money is on offer in India / UAE.

 

[Concerned]

IPL is a magical league - it is able to cure any mental health issues within a few games.

Don’t see anyone dropping out.

 

[Forum363]

I do not for one second doubt that mental illness and depression are not real things.

The point I am trying to put across is that not one single cricketer has withdrawn from IPL because of depression since its inception 13 years ago. That is too big a sample and that is what worries me.

Well the logical conclusion is that the high payoffs for a short period of time are enough for the players to play, even if they’re suffering from depression and mental health concerns. That doesn’t make them less patriotic or whatever, but it’s a 5/6 week tournament. They can grit their teeth and get a large payout.

As opposed to a full time career with their country.

 

[someone21]

Dude, these are a very poor comments for a doctor. Mental health issues are a real thing. And a lot of it comes from overwork and exhaustion . Mental health issues affect one and al - destitute or millionaire. People ARE entitled to take time off for their own well being. It's unfortunate that the poor cannot afford to do that but that doesnt it make it wrong for sports persons to do it

Today, modern athletes are part time sportsman, part time actors, part time social media influencers.

And taking time off, is a luxury, and that does not mean mental illness. Common people are not entitled to take breaks. And even when these elites take time off, they still continue their other part time works.

 

[BDfanforever]

Stokes could have been out of form and scored no runs. Though he would improve the terrible catching. We can’t say what could have happened, only what is happening.

He would've made a huge difference to your middle order. You need to call back Cook from retirement to stabilize the opening.

 

[Saurav]

I do not for one second doubt that mental illness and depression are not real things.

The point I am trying to put across is that not one single cricketer has withdrawn from IPL because of depression since its inception 13 years ago. That is too big a sample and that is what worries me.

not its not a big sample size

How many have withdrawn from Test cricket in its 144 year history?You can count on fingers.