"You feel like you are a burden" Robin Uthappa reveals being in depression in 2011

Robin Uthappa announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2022.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has recalled the dark time in his life in 2011 when he was battling with depression. The 38-year-old Uthappa admitted that going through depression affected him mentally and physically.

Despite facing challenges with his mental health, Uthappa had a successful career at the top level. The 38-year-old won the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa. In 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, Uthappa amassed 1183, including seven half-centuries.

The right-handed batter played for several franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL): Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders, the now-defunct Pune Warriors, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Overall, Robin Uthappa played 205 IPL matches and amassed 4952 runs at an average of 27.51. Uthappa also scored 27 half-centuries. He won IPL trophies with KKR and CSK.

I personally have been there as well: Robin Uthappa on facing depression

Recently, former England cricketer Graham Thorpe committed suicide after battling with depression and anxiety.

Robin Uthappa accepted that he also faced depression in 2011. Uthappa admitted that being depressed felt like a burden on others. 

“I recently heard about Graham Thorpe and we have heard about multiple cricketers who have ended their lives because of depression. Even in the past, we have heard of athletes and cricketers who have ended their lives because of clinical depression. I personally have been there as well. I know for a fact that it’s not a pretty journey. It’s debilitating, it’s exhausting and it’s heavy. It feels burdening,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.

The 38-year-old Uthappa added that he felt hopeless while battling with depression. The right-handed batter revealed that he went through a lot while suffering from his mental health issues.

He detailed, “You feel like you are worthless. You feel like you are a burden to the people who you love. You feel like absolutely hopeless. Every step feels heavier and heavier. Every step you take, it feels like more is being added on to you. And just feel immobile. I went through weeks and months and years of just not wanting to get out of the bed.”

“I remember in 2011 I went the year so ashamed of who I became as a human being that I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I went all of 2011 just not looking at myself in the mirror. I did avoid any opportunity or even an instance of me looking at myself anywhere. And I know how defeated I felt in those moments. I know how burdensome my existence had become. I know how far away from being purposeful in life,” Uthappa added.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.