Varun Chakaravarthy. Image Credits: AFP
As the 19th season of the IPL begins on March 28, excitement among fans is at its peak. The tournament will kick off with a clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Amid these preparations, KKR’s star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has come into the spotlight for a shocking revelation about the abuse he faced during IPL 2021.
Varun Chakaravarthy opens up on death threats
In a recent YouTube interaction with Sahiba Bali, Varun revealed the emotional trauma he went through when the IPL 2021 season was suspended. The tournament was halted midway after multiple COVID-19 cases emerged inside bio-bubbles, including his own positive test.
It is important to mention that IPL 2021 was suspended on May 4, 2021, leaving fans disappointed as cricket was one of the few sources of entertainment during the pandemic lockdowns.
Varun shared that he was heavily trolled on social media, with some comments crossing all limits. He said people abused him and even went as far as sending death threats. Some individuals reportedly wished for his death, blaming him for the tournament being stopped.
Varun Chakaravarthy on facing death threats for the IPL - "People trolled me badly on social media when the IPL was stopped in 2021. It was halted halfway because I got COVID, I was the first person to test positive. As a result, the entire IPL had to be stopped.
People started abusing me because at that time the IPL was the only source of entertainment for them during the lockdown, and it was taken away. They were so angry that the IPL had to stop.
I can't even describe the kind of things people said. Some even wished that I would die. It was that bad. (YT - Sahiba Bali)".
Varun Chakaravarthy's journey with KKR
Varun Chakaravarthy joined KKR in 2020 and established himself as one of the most dependable bowlers in the IPL. He played a crucial role in KKR's title-winning campaign in 2024, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 8.04.
Also Read: KKR's X-Factor Players Who Can Win Them IPL 2026 Title
In total, Varun Chakaravarthy has taken 100 wickets in 84 innings, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.57.
In the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Varun emerged as one of the joint highest wicket-takers alongside Jasprit Bumrah, picking up 14 wickets in nine matches.
Why KKR will rely heavily on Varun in IPL 2026?
Heading into IPL 2026, KKR faces several challenges. Injuries have already ruled out players like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep. Additionally, Matheesha Pathirana will miss the initial phase due to a calf strain.
With the bowling unit already under pressure, Varun's role becomes even more critical. His experience, control, and wicket-taking ability could be the deciding factor in KKR’s campaign.
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