Varun Chakravarthy revealed that he was not injured, contrary to claims, and suggested that rumours were spread to sideline him from the Indian team after the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) standout dismissed rumours suggesting fitness concerns.
“It was very tough because right after I finished the World Cup, it was not a big injury; it was a very small injury. It just took me two or three weeks to be back on track, but after that, I got sidelined, and people kept giving the same excuse that I am injured, but on the other hand, I was not injured all that while. I don’t know, [if] it was just a rumour, or someone just wanting to spread this news about me so that they can sideline me. But that’s how life is; it is unfair. It was very hard on me.” Varun told to CricXtasy.
His ascent began during the 2020 and 2021 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his stellar performances garnered widespread acclaim. The “mystery spinner” made significant contributions, taking 17 and 18 wickets in IPL 2020 and 2021, respectively. As calls for his inclusion in the Indian team grew louder, he earned a spot in the squad led by Virat Kohli for the T20 World Cup.
Varun Chakravarthy made his IPL debut in 2019 for Punjab Kings but only played one game that year. He then joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and became a household name in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, taking 17 and 18 wickets respectively. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2021, but he did not pick any wickets in the three games he played and was subsequently dropped from the national squad.
Chakravarthy’s fitness issues have been a concern, with reports of dodgy knees and a left calf muscle injury. Despite this, he has continued to play for KKR and was retained for the 2022 season for a massive salary of Rs. 8 crore. However, he had a disappointing season, taking only six wickets in 11 matches, which he attributed to the mental impact of his exile from the national team.
“IPL 2022 was not a great season because what happened in 2021 after the World Cup got within me, and I was very desperate to be back in the Indian side. So I wanted to prove to everyone. I was being very desperate. I started changing many things in my bowling, which finally affected my mental peace, and I was not able to do my normal bowling also. So that IPL was bad for me.” he added.
Although Chakravarthy started India’s initial matches, he was benched thereafter and hasn’t represented the national team since. Despite assertions of injury,
Chakravarthy clarified otherwise, suggesting ulterior motives behind the rumors. Despite being retained by KKR for a substantial sum for the 2022 IPL season, his performance dipped, which he attributed to the mental toll of his India exclusion. Nonetheless, he has since found solace, acknowledging the competitive nature of the sport and focusing on giving his best without dwelling on setbacks.
“I took time off, and I understood what was happening with me. Now, it’s all cool; I am not desperate anymore. I know how things work. Even the best of the best – there is news that they are going to sideline that person, so who am I? I don’t have any expectations. Let’s see whatever comes my way – I will do my best.” he concluded.
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