Varun Chakravarthy Opens Up on Depression After 2021 T20 World Cup Threats

From Dark Days to Champions Trophy Glory, the Spinner's Journey is an Inspiration

March 15, 2025 |

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who played a crucial role in India’s triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, has made a shocking revelation about his mental struggles following the 2021 T20 World Cup. In a candid conversation on a YouTube podcast with Gobinath, he revealed that he went into depression after facing threats and harassment from fans due to his poor performance in the 2021 ICC event.

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"I Went Into Depression": Varun Chakravarthy on 2021 T20 World Cup Nightmare

Varun Chakravarthy rose to fame through his stellar IPL performances, but his T20 World Cup 2021 campaign turned into a nightmare as he failed to pick a single wicket. India’s early exit from the tournament led to an onslaught of criticism, and Varun became a target of abuse, threats, and even stalking.

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🗣️ Varun recalled his traumatic experience:
📌 “The 2021 World Cup was a dark time for me. I even went into depression. I came into the team with so much hype, and I did not even get one wicket. After that, I was not even considered for selection for three years.”

📌 “I received threatening calls even before landing in India. They said that if I tried to come back, I wouldn’t be able to. People tracked down my home, and I was followed from the airport. But I understand that fans are very emotional.”

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Redemption in Champions Trophy 2025: A Comeback to Remember

Despite the mental and emotional toll, Varun fought his way back into the Indian team, delivering match-winning performances in the Champions Trophy 2025.

🔥 Key Stats from Champions Trophy 2025:
✔️ 9 wickets in 3 matches
✔️ One of India’s top performers in the tournament
✔️ Crucial role in India’s title-winning campaign

Varun’s story is a testament to resilience, mental strength, and perseverance, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.

Mental Health in Cricket: A Growing Concern

Varun’s revelations highlight the immense pressure cricketers face in India, where the sport is more than just a game. Several cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, have spoken about mental health struggles in high-pressure environments.

🏏 Key Takeaways:
🔹 Fans must understand the impact of criticism and online abuse.
🔹 Mental health support systems are critical for players facing intense scrutiny.
🔹 Cricket boards should take stronger action to protect players from harassment.

From Adversity to Triumph: Varun’s Journey Continues

Varun Chakravarthy’s remarkable comeback from a career-threatening slump to international glory is an inspiration for athletes across all sports. With renewed confidence, he now looks to cement his place in the Indian squad for future tournaments, proving that true champions rise even in the darkest times.

📢 What are your thoughts on Varun’s journey? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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