Team India recently won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by beating New Zealand in the finals. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament with almost every player contributing. One player that played a key role in India's victory was Varun Chakravarthy. His ability to pick wickets at crucial periods ensured opponents did not gain any sort of momentum.

After missing out on the playing XI in the first two group stage matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, Varun played against New Zealand in the third match of the tournament. He picked five wickets and helped the team win by 44 runs. Following his exceptional performance, he got picked for the semifinal knockout game against Australia, in which he got two wickets, including a crucial one of Travis Head. Varun continued his great form in the finals against Kiwis and again picked two important wickets for the team.

Following his phenomenal performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the player has been praised by the Indian fans. However, the story wasn't the same in 2021 for the player. During the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, the player failed to pick even a single wicket. After India's early exit from the tournament, Varun recalled the horrific incident of receiving threat calls on his phone. In an interaction with Gopinath on YouTube, the player opened up about the entire incident.

'Don't come to India': Varun Chakravarthy recalls the tough phase

In a recent interview, India's spin sensation Varun Chakravarthy shared the hard time he faced after the team got knocked out from the tournament.

""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. I had to change a lot about myself (after 2021). I had to change my daily routine, practice," Varun told Gopinath.

The player further revealed the changes he made in his practice regime while being unsure about the comeback. He said, "Earlier, I used to practice 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."

"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 added.