Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy recalled the tough phase of his life after his stellar performance in the Champions Trophy 2025.
He said that he received threats after his performance during the T20 World Cup 2021. Varun disclosed that he had to hide himself on a few occasions as people followed him closely to track him down.
Chakravarthy who played a pivotal role in India’s recent Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, did had a poor outing during the T20 World Cup in 2021 in three matches he played.
He conceded 33 runs in four wicketless overs during India’s defeat to Pakistan in that event and wasn’t recalled until last year. However, the mystery spinner made a stunning comeback in white-ball formats.
Speaking on a YouTube show, Varun Chakravarthy said he reflects on those tough times. He stated that he is proud of how much he has improved now and wishes to take it to the next level.
“After the 2021 World Cup, I received threat calls. ‘Don’t come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.’ePeople came up to my house, tracked me down – I had to hide at times,” said Varun.
“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,” said Chakravarthy.
“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 said.
The spinner made his ODI debut in February 2025, roughly a week before the Champions Trophy. But he went on to bag nine wickets including a five wicket haul in the tournament.
Varun Chakravarthy was added to India’s ODI squad to face England at the final hours before the first ODI.
“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. But I didn’t expect this success.
After playing the T20I series finale in Mumbai, I was preparing to return to Chennai. I even got the tickets for Chennai. But the next morning, I was told that I was in the one-day team too and was asked to come to Nagpur,” said Varun.
I didn’t expect it. I didn’t take any clothes or anything for that. I asked my family to send me stuff to Nagpur,” concluded 33 year old Chakravarthy.
He will be returning to action during IPL 2025 for Kolkata Knight Riders who will begin their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
