Indias spin-bowling sensation Varun Chakravarthy opened up about a difficult period in his life revealing that he received threatening phone calls following his underwhelming performance during Indias T20 World Cup 2021 campaign in the UAE. He shared that he was warned not to return to India and was even followed to his home in Chennai after the teams disappointing early exit from the tournament. Varun Chakravarthy admitted that he thought his career overseas was almost over after being omitted from the team after the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Kolkata Knight Riders bowler had made his T20I debut in a series against Sri Lanka in July 2021 and then was added to the Virat Kohli-captained side during the same years World Cup. Varun Chakravarthy appeared in three games for India but was unable to take a single wicket. He was also included in the bowling line-up in Indias record 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan in Dubai Indias first-ever loss against Pakistan in a World Cup game. 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 Varun told popular anchor Gobinath in a YouTube show. I had to change a lot about myself (after 2021). I had to change my daily routine practice. Earlier I used to practise 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. I am not able to believe that all good things are happening in one go. I want to take it to the next level. I have faced setbacks and I know how bad the criticism can be. After the 2021 World Cup I received threat calls. Dont come to India. If you try you wont 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. Varun Chakravarthy returned to international cricket in October 2024 in a stunning comeback after three years away. His comeback was spurred by a strong show for Kolkata Knight Riders in their championship-winning Indian Premier League campaign last year. Ever since his comeback Varun Chakravarthy has been in top form and his T20I performances have earned him a spot in Indias Champions Trophy team. The mystery spinner excelled in Dubai taking nine wickets in three games including an incredible five-wicket haul in a group-stage match against New Zealand. During the semi-final match against Australia Varun Chakravarthy provided a decisive breakthrough when he bowled out Travis Head assisting India in defeating their traditional rivals. He maintained his form in the final match against New Zealand taking two vital wickets as Rohit Sharmas side won the Champions Trophy on Sunday March 9. Having redeemed himself in Dubai during the Champions Trophy Varun Chakravarthy described Indias winning campaign as an unbelievable experience. The spinner had only recently made his ODI debut months ago in January during a home series against England. While he began the tournament on the bench against Bangladesh and Pakistan he quickly found a place in the playing XI and left his mark. 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. But I didnt expect this success. After playing the T20I series finale in Mumbai I was preparing to return to Chennai. I even got the tickets for Chennai. But the next morning I was told that I was in the one-day team too and was asked to come to Nagpur. I didnt expect it. I didnt take any clothes or anything for that. I asked my family to send me stuff to Nagpur. And then I made my debut in the second ODI. Even after the third ODI in Ahmedabad I got tickets for Chennai. But then they told me Youre coming to Dubai for the Champions Trophy. I was not able to believe it. Then in Dubai I didnt play the first two matches. I thought I wouldnt get a chance and was prepared to carry drinks. But in the third match I played. It changed after that. Even when I was benched for the first two games I was practising. I wanted to get some opportunity even if it was as a substitute fielder. I was in that mindset. After the second match Gautam Gambhir came and spoke to me. He told me to prepare with the intensity of a pre-match day but said that he was not sure if I would play the game (against New Zealand). I prepared and then on match day I got to know I was going to play he said. Varun Chakravarthy will aim to maintain his impressive form as he returns to action for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 which kicks off on March 22.