"After the 2021 World Cup, I got threat calls – 'Don't come to India'": Champions Trophy winner Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy became an important player for India in the Champions Trophy, despite struggles and criticism after the 2021 T20 World Cup. He went through a tough time, dealing with threats and depression, but his strong performances helped him regain confidence. He is determined to keep his form and stay prepared for IPL 2025.
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When Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, not many expected Varun Chakravarthy to make such a significant impact in the Champions Trophy 2025. Picked as the fifth spinner, he surprised everyone by becoming India’s X-factor, taking nine wickets in just three matches making him the joint-highest wicket-taker.
Talking to anchor Gobinath on his YouTube channel, Varun opened up about his struggles after the 2021 T20 World Cup and how his recent success has helped him to move on and gain confidence.
"It was a tough phase for me. I went into depression because I felt I couldn’t live up to the expectations after being selected for the World Cup with so much hype," he admitted."I still can’t believe so many good things are happening simultaneously. Now, I just want to keep improving and take my game to the next level."
Varun opened up about how the reaction after the 2021 World Cup was more than just criticism. "I got threat calls after the tournament. People told me, 'Don't come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.' Some even showed up at my house and tracked me down I had to hide at times. When I was coming back from the airport, a couple of people followed me on their bikes," he shared.
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"These things happen. I know fans are emotional. But now, when I look back, I feel happy."Varun Chakravarthy didn’t expect to be picked for the ODI series after the T20I matches in Mumbai.
"I had already booked my tickets for Chennai. But the next morning, I got a call saying I was in the ODI squad too and needed to go to Nagpur instead," he recalled. For him, the Champions Trophy was a big confidence booster. "It made me feel like I truly belonged, that there was a place for me," he said. With IPL 2025 coming up, Chakravarthy, who will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, is focused on keeping his form and staying ready to get another title for KKR.
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