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India’s spin sensation Varun Chakravarthy, who starred during the Men in Blue’s recent victory in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, revealed shocking details from the past. The Indian spinner recalled a tough phase, while revealing that he received death threats via phone calls after dismal performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.
The 33-year-old also revealed that he was warned against retaurning to the subcontinent while being followed till his house in Chennai after India’s exit from the tournament. The Karnataka-born also added that he even admitted that it could be an end of his international career, following the poor run of form as he went wicketless in the three matches he played in the tournament.
I was in depression….: Varun Chakravarthy reveals shocking details after poor run in T20 CWC 2021
Speaking in a YouTube show with Gobinath, Chakravarthy said, "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."
He further recalled, "I had to change a lot about myself (after 2021). I had to change my daily routine, practice. Earlier, I used to practise 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.” "I am not able to believe that all good things are happening in one go. I want to take it to the next level. I have faced setbacks, and I know how bad the criticism can be,” he continued.
"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. When I was returning from the airport, a couple of people followed me on their bikes. It happens. I can understand fans are emotional. But when I look back at those things and the praise I am receiving now, I am happy," he further added.
In the same show, Chakravarthy then highlighted the reaction he received after helping India win the Champions Trophy 2025. “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,” he concluded.
