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.
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.
"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 Kohli.
"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."
The Indian skipper averaged just 13.50 from five Tests in that series, which India lost 3-1 after drawing the opener.
Kohli said he felt lonely despite having supportive people in his life.
"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.
India win the second Test
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Axar Patel celebrates after claiming the wicket of England captain Joe Root during India's 317-run victory in the second Test in Chennai on February 16. All images courtesy of Sportzpics for BCCI -
Ishant Sharma of India bowling during Day 4 of the second Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. -
England's Ben Stokes plays a shot in Chennai. -
India's Kuldeep Yadav celebrates the wicket of Ben Foakes for two. -
England captain Joe Root scored 33 from 92 balls in the second innings. -
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli celebrate taking the wicket of England all-rounder Ben Stokes. -
England batsman Dan Lawrence is stumped by Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for 26. -
Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates the wicket of Dan Lawrence with India teammates. -
Ben Stokes of England plays a shot. The all-rounder managed just eight runs in the second innings. -
England's Joe Root plays a shot. -
Moeen Ali top-scored for England after smashing 43 runs off 18 balls, including three fours and five sixes. -
Ben Stokes of England plays a shot. -
England's Ben Foakes takes a single during Day 4.
"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."
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."
Kohli is currently leading India against England in a four-Test home series which is tied 1-1. The third Test starts in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
