The cricket world is no stranger to overnight sensations, and Varun Chakravarthy’s journey is a testament to this phenomenon. Having made his debut for Team India in 2021, he was subsequently dropped from the team after the T20 World Cup that same year. Little did anyone know that this very bowler would play a pivotal role in securing the Champions Trophy 2025 title for India. Chakravarthy’s impressive performance in the tournament, where he claimed 9 wickets, was a far cry from his struggles just a few years prior. In fact, there was a time when he received threatening calls, a stark reminder of the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete.
During a recent podcast, Chakravarthy opened up about the tumultuous period following the 2021 T20 World Cup, describing it as a particularly dark time in his career. The trolls and criticism he faced for his poor performance were relentless, and he even started receiving threatening calls, which took a toll on his mental health and pushed him to the brink of depression. To put things into perspective, Chakravarthy had played 3 matches in the 2021 T20 World Cup, bowling 11 overs without managing to secure a single wicket.
Threats and Intimidation
Chakravarthy recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “I hadn’t even returned to India after the 2021 T20 World Cup when I started receiving threatening calls. People would say, ‘Don’t come back to India, you won’t be able to.’ They even managed to find my home address. I saw people following me on their bikes when I was on my way back from the airport. I understand that fans often get carried away with their emotions.” This disturbing episode highlights the darker side of fandom and the immense pressure that athletes face.
Rise to Prominence
Fast-forward to the Champions Trophy 2025, and Chakravarthy’s journey to becoming a hero is nothing short of remarkable. Prior to the tournament, he hadn’t fully recovered from an injury, but an opportunity to play in an ODI match against England proved to be a turning point. Chakravarthy’s impressive form in T20s had caught the attention of the selectors, and his performance in the ODI match against England only reinforced their faith in him. As a result, he earned a spot in the squad, paving the way for his eventual success in the Champions Trophy. This comeback story serves as a testament to Chakravarthy’s resilience and determination, and his contributions to India’s Champions Trophy victory will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.