Virat Kohli: 'Remarkable' Glenn Maxwell has set the right example
Virat Kohli believes the "remarkable" Glenn Maxwell has set a brilliant example for all cricketers by deciding to temporarily step away from the sport and focus on his mental health.
Cricket Australia announced ahead of the third Twenty20 against Sri Lanka two weeks ago that, following a talk with head coach Justin Langer, Maxwell would take a short break for personal reasons.
India captain Kohli commended the all-rounder and recalled difficulties he wrestled with alone while he struggled for runs during India's tour of England five years ago.
"I'm absolutely for it," Kohli said of Maxwell's decision ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Indore, which begins on Thursday.
"To be very honest, everyone is focused on what they need to do. It is difficult for anyone to figure out what is going around in another person's mind.
"I have gone through a phase in my career where I felt like it was the end of the world. In England in 2014, I did not know what to do and what to say to anyone and how to speak and how to communicate.
"I could not have said I am not feeling great mentally and I need to get away from the game because you never know how it is taken.
"I think these things should be of great importance because if you think that a player is important enough for the team or Indian cricket to go forward. I think they should be looked after. When you get to the international stage, every player needs that communication, that ability to just speak out.
"I think what Glenn has done is remarkable and he has set a right example for the cricketers all around the world that if you are not in the best frame of mind, you try, try and try but as human beings, you reach a tipping point at some stage when you need time away from the game. Not to say you give up, but just to gain more clarity."