My family supported me a lot. I did not know that I was going through this, but my family used to repeatedly tell me that something was wrong and I should go and consult a doctor. My family could see everything but I was unaware of it myself. This is the problem with mental health issues, they force us into a state of denial. Then when my mom got me an appointment with a doctor, who happens to be the son-in-law of her very close friend. He told me that I should get treated as my sufferings, even though not visible to me, were clearly evident to my family.

We are sportsmen, whose only focus is to win and avoid any losses for the team, and this makes us think that sportsmen will not get mental health issues. But when it does happen, even in India, if a family member or a friend tells you that something’s wrong, talk to him. It is really important to open up in such situations about your problems, and if you don’t, it will become a reality for your brain and that will cause you to do things that you won’t do in your normal state of mind.

Are you still playing cricket for your local side? What are your future plans?

I do want to play professional cricket for Northampton. But my training is on a halt for the next 4 weeks due to this virus outbreak.

During your playing days, who according to you was the most talented player, you played with or against?

Virender Sehwag. I think, even he doesn’t know about the talent he has. While playing in an MCC game with him, I observed that he was so relaxed and had such a great peace of mind. He hits the ball with the same speed as it comes to him. He has nothing to fear and is completely fearless. There are very few cricketers who play like him. Even his personality is great.

Your thoughts on this Coronavirus outbreak which has had a big impact on Cricket?

I would like to say, in India, people should just stay back at their homes. As the virus’ rate of spread is really high and if it affects a single person, the infection can potentially spread to 59,000 people. Just like we, the sportsmen, have a lot of self-discipline, even staying at home is a matter of self-discipline.

I would sincerely request the Indians to take all of the preventive measures as I don’t want the condition over there to get like that of the UK or the rest of Europe. Indians should learn from these countries and take a lesson from them.

How have the things been since you have been away from Cricket? You have been involved in various activites. Has it helped you overcome your mental health issues?

I am completely fine mentally right now. I haven’t taken any medication in the past 2-3 years and I am physically and mentally back. While trying to play competitive cricket this year, I also want to step into the field of broadcasting.

I want to become a media broadcaster. I am really eager to talk about cricket and stay involved with it. After I leave cricket, I want to take up something that gives me the same experience as that of taking a wicket. And, commentary is one such thing that can bring that to me.

What would you like to tell about your book, ‘Monty Panesar: The Full Monty’?

I had gotten a chance to write a book, encapsulating my journey from having a goal, how I reached there and the ups and downs in my journey. How I handled my difficulties and came back from the worst of times. Every human has a story and I wanted it to put it all in a book.

I also wish to put this into a movie, a biopic. I have thoughts of doing that with Mr Yograj Singh. He has told me that he wants to do it with me. When we had met in the UK, he had said that he wanted to make a biopic on me. I want no one other than Mr Yograj to work on my biopic.