‘I Was In Depression, Received Threat Calls’: Varun Chakaravarthy Reflects On The Darkest Time Of His Cricket Journey In 2021 | Republic World

Team India’s ace spin bowler, Varun Chakaravarthy, has opened up about the darkest phase of his life when he went wicketless in the T20 World Cup in 2021, which led to his omission from the Indian squad. The spinner revealed that he was in depression and regretted not taking any scalp in the ICC T20 tournament. Varun also revealed getting threats and how some fans followed him on bikes upon his arrival in India and that the comeback was tougher than his debut.

Varun Chakaravarthy made a successful comeback in team India’s T20 fold after delivering a smashing performance in the IPL 2024 season for KKR, where they won the title. But Chakaravarthy has been a part of the Indian fold in the past and was a part of the Team in the T20 World Cup in 2021. But he failed to impress as he went wicketless on his entire outing, which led to him being dropped. The spinner opened up on that phase of life, revealing that he was threatened, and it made him depressed.

“It was a dark time for me. I was in depression because I thought I was not able to do justice after I was picked for the World Cup with a lot of hype. I regretted not taking even one wicket. After that, for three years, I was not selected. So, I think the comeback to the team was tougher than the path to my debut.

“After the 2021 World Cup, I received threat calls. “Don’t come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.” People came up to my house, tracked me down-I had to hide at times. When I was returning from the airport, a couple of people followed me on their bikes. It happens. I can understand fans are emotional. But when I look back at those things and the praise I am receiving now, I am happy,” Varun Chakaravarthy said while speaking to Gobinath in one of the videos on his YouTube channel.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s path to redemption was a spectacular affair. He played a key role for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 season. Varun’s clinical play earned him a spot in Team India when they faced off against Bangladesh in T20Is. Chakaravarthy’s clinical display earned him a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy, and his wicket-taking abilities helped Team India clinch the title.

Chakaravarthy will now feature in the IPL 2025 season, where he will be a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders. The three-time champs will be defending their championship this year, and they will begin their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 23, 2025.