Varun Chakaravarthy Opens Up About His Dark Phase and Threats After T20 World Cup 2021 Defeat

Indian cricketer Varun Chakaravarthy, known for his impressive wrist spin, has come forward with shocking revelations about the darkest phase of his career following India’s defeat to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The 33-year-old spinner, who was part of the squad, opened up about the psychological toll he faced, including receiving threats and being tracked by fans after his poor performances.

Chakaravarthy, who failed to pick up a wicket in India’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign, recalled how the pressure from the huge loss led to severe personal consequences. He admitted to falling into depression after his underwhelming performances in the high-stakes tournament. Notably, India’s elimination from the World Cup was a major blow, and the spinner was widely criticized for his lack of impact.

"I thought I wasn’t able to do justice to the hype around me after being picked for the World Cup. It was a dark time for me. I was in depression," said Chakaravarthy during a candid conversation with anchor Gobinath on his YouTube show. The emotional toll of the defeat was compounded by the threats and harassment he faced from frustrated fans.

"After the 2021 World Cup, I received threat calls. They said, ‘Don’t come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.’ People tracked me down to my house, and there were times I had to hide. Some even followed me from the airport on bikes," he shared.

Despite these challenges, Chakaravarthy spoke of his gratitude for his current success and the praise he now receives, acknowledging how much he has grown since that difficult time.

“Fans are emotional, and I understand that. But when I look back at those times, I’m happy to see how far I’ve come. The support I’m getting now feels so different, and it’s a huge boost,” he said, reflecting on his career turnaround.

The spinner's redemption came through his standout performance in India’s recent Champions Trophy triumph. Chakaravarthy took nine wickets in three matches, playing a key role in India’s victory. He credited the Champions Trophy as a major confidence booster that helped him reclaim his place in the international arena.

The cricketer also recounted the turning point when he was informed about his inclusion in the ODI squad to face England. "I didn’t expect this success. After playing the T20I series finale in Mumbai, I was preparing to go back to Chennai, but then the next morning, I was told I was in the one-day team and was asked to head to Nagpur," he said.

Chakaravarthy’s remarkable journey from facing death threats to becoming a key player in India’s Champions Trophy success showcases his resilience and determination. His ability to overcome adversity and silence critics stands as an inspiration to many athletes and fans alike.

As he prepares for IPL 2025, Varun Chakaravarthy looks ahead to further cementing his place as one of India’s most exciting spinners in the game today.