Varun Chakravarthy Opens Up About Threats and Struggles After 2021 T20 World Cup
Indian cricketer Varun Chakravarthy has revealed startling details about the difficult aftermath of India’s disappointing performance in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. The mystery spinner, who recently played a crucial role in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph, disclosed that he received threatening phone calls following his underwhelming performance in the global tournament.
In a candid interview, Chakravarthy shared, “I was threatened not to return to India. Even after I arrived in Chennai, someone followed me on a bike from the airport to my home. It was a very difficult phase for me. I felt guilty that I couldn’t live up to the expectations after being selected for the team. I went into depression and was deeply saddened. I realized how emotionally invested fans are in the game.”
Chakravarthy was picked for the 2021 T20 World Cup after an impressive IPL season, but unfortunately, his performance fell flat during the tournament. India’s early exit in the Super 12 stage was compounded by Chakravarthy’s inability to take a single wicket, leading to severe criticism from both fans and the media. This setback resulted in a nearly three-year absence from the national team.
Reflecting on that period, Chakravarthy called it the lowest point in his career. “The 2021 World Cup was a dark time for me. I entered the squad with a lot of hype, but I couldn’t take even a single wicket. After that, I was not considered for selection for three years,” he admitted.
Despite these challenges, Chakravarthy made a remarkable comeback and played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory. His performances in the tournament were exceptional, taking nine wickets in three matches, including key breakthroughs in the knockout stages. His resurgence in the 2025 Champions Trophy proved to be a career-defining moment, marking a stunning turnaround for the spinner.
Chakravarthy’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and determination, showing that even after facing immense personal and professional struggles, comebacks are possible with perseverance and the support of those around you.
