Varun Chakravarthy: From Darkness to Triumph
India’s spin-bowling sensation, Varun Chakravarthy, has recently opened up about the mental health struggles he faced following a tumultuous T20 World Cup in 2021. His candid reflections shed light on the darker aspects of professional sports, where the pressure to perform can sometimes lead to overwhelming challenges.
The T20 World Cup 2021: A Disheartening Experience
Chakravarthy’s journey took a sharp turn during the T20 World Cup held in the UAE. Despite being hailed as a promising talent, his performance fell short of expectations. He played three matches for India but failed to take a single wicket, a statistic that weighed heavily on him. The disappointment was compounded by India’s historic 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan, marking the first time India lost to its arch-rival in a World Cup match.
In the aftermath of the tournament, Chakravarthy faced not just disappointment but also threats and harassment. He revealed that he received threatening phone calls warning him not to return to India. “Don’t come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to,” were some of the chilling messages he received. The emotional toll was immense, leading him to a state of depression where he felt his career was on the brink of collapse.
The Struggle with Mental Health
Reflecting on this dark period, Chakravarthy shared, “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.” The pressure of expectations, coupled with the harsh reality of public scrutiny, made it difficult for him to cope. He felt the weight of regret for not being able to contribute to the team’s success, which only intensified his feelings of inadequacy.
For three years, Chakravarthy was not selected for the national team, a period that he described as tougher than his initial path to debut. “I had to change a lot about myself after 2021. I had to change my daily routine, practice. Earlier, I used to practice 50 balls in a session; I doubled it,” he explained. This commitment to improvement was born out of a desire to prove himself, even when the selectors’ call seemed distant.
The Road to Redemption
Chakravarthy’s resilience paid off when he made a stunning comeback to international cricket in October 2024. His return was marked by a stellar performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a crucial role in leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory. This resurgence not only revitalized his career but also restored his confidence.
His performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 were nothing short of spectacular. Chakravarthy took nine wickets in three matches, including an impressive five-wicket haul against New Zealand. His contributions were pivotal in India’s journey to the title, especially during the semi-final against Australia, where he dismissed Travis Head, helping secure a crucial win.
A Newfound Confidence
The Champions Trophy victory was a transformative experience for Chakravarthy. “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 remarked. His journey from being benched to becoming a key player in the final showcased his determination and skill.
Chakravarthy’s unexpected call-up to the ODI team and subsequent performances further solidified his place in the national setup. He described the whirlwind of events leading to his debut, emphasizing the unpredictability of professional sports. “I didn’t expect this success. After playing the T20I series finale in Mumbai, I was preparing to return to Chennai. But then they told me, ‘You’re coming to Dubai for the Champions Trophy.’ I was not able to believe it,” he recalled.
Looking Ahead
As Varun Chakravarthy prepares to return to action for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, he carries with him the lessons learned from his struggles. His story is a testament to resilience, highlighting the importance of mental health in sports. Chakravarthy’s journey from a dark place to the pinnacle of success serves as an inspiration for many, reminding us that setbacks can pave the way for remarkable comebacks.
With the IPL season kicking off on March 22, fans eagerly await to see how this talented spinner will continue to evolve and contribute to his team’s success, armed with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of the game and himself.
