Varun Chakravarthy opens up on threats & depression after T20 WC 2021 exit

India’s spin bowler and now Champions Trophy 2025 winner, Varun Chakravarthy shared some difficult experiences from his life. After a poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, he faced threats through phone calls. He mentioned that he was warned not to come back to India and was even followed to his house in Chennai after India exited the tournament early. “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,” Varun shared in an interview with Gobinath on a YouTube show.

Overcoming setbacks to win the Champions Trophy

Varun felt his international cricketing career might be over after he was dropped following the T20 World Cup 2021. He explained how he had to undergo changes and work harder without being sure of getting another chance. “I had to change a lot about myself (after 2021). I had to change my daily routine and practice. Earlier, I used to practice 50 balls in a session, I doubled it. Without even knowing whether the selectors would recall me, it was difficult. After the third year, I thought it was all gone. We won the IPL and then I got the call—I was very happy after that,” he said.

He also mentioned the threats he received after the 2021 World Cup. “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.” Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “But when I look back at those things and the praise I am receiving now, I am happy,” he concluded.

Champions Trophy triumph

Varun made a remarkable return to international cricket in October 2024, performing well in the Indian Premier League and earning his place in India’s Champions Trophy squad. He impressed everyone with his performance, taking nine wickets in three matches during the tournament. “I think the Champions Trophy was a huge confidence booster because I played only four matches. And when I performed well in those matches, I felt I belonged and that there was a place for me. But I didn’t expect this success.” he shared.

Unexpected inclusion in the Indian team

He was surprised by his inclusion in the team and described how unexpected moments unfolded. “After playing the T20I series finale in Mumbai, I was preparing to return to Chennai. I even got the tickets for Chennai. But the next morning, I was told that I was in the one-day team too and was asked to come to Nagpur.” He continued, “Then in Dubai, I didn’t play the first two matches. I thought I wouldn’t get a chance and was prepared to carry drinks. But in the third match, I played. It changed after that.” Varun is now looking forward to continuing his great form with the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.