India pacer Mohammed Shami opened up about his battle with mental health, saying he felt suicidal during a difficult phase in his domestic life.

Mohammed Shami, who was involved in a much-publicised spat with estranged wife, said his family helped him pull through a difficult phase in his life and made sure he was not being alone.

Shami pointed out that depression is a problem that needs attention and urged people to talk to counsellors or their close ones to battle the mental health issues.

“In my case, my family pulled me out of that low phase. They took care of me and made me realise that I needed to fight back.

“There were times I felt suicidal but my family ensured I was never alone. Someone or the other would always be around, talking to me. Spirituality also helps you seek answers. Talking to your close ones or counseling is the best way out,” Shami told Hindustan Times.

Shami faced a range of allegations, including match-fixing allegations which was cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The cricket board also withheld Shami’s name from the list of central contracts pending an investigation into the allegations= only to include him later in March 2018.

I was lucky to have the team backing me: Shami

Shami went through a dip in form but the India pacer bounced back and played a key role in India’s overseas tours in England and Australia. Shami picked up 16 wickets in Australia as the trio of him, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma broke records at will.

Stressing that he was fortunate to get help from his teammates and captain Virat Kohli during the difficult phase, Shami said his mates asked him to vent out the anger and frustration on the field.

“Mental pressure definitely interferes in your physical wellbeing. At the same time, if you seek help from others and talk about it, you can get rid of such issues off the field.

“I was lucky to have the team’s support staff along with Virat Kohli and other players backing me. We are like a family. My teammates always insisted I vent my anger and frustration out on the field. I am happy that phase is over,” Shami said.