India’s T20 World Cup-winning cricketer Varun Chakaravarthy has opened up about a disturbing phase in his career, revealing the extent of online abuse he faced after testing positive for Covid-19 during the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL). His positive test came at a time when the tournament was eventually suspended midway due to a surge in cases within team bio-bubbles, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
What happened during IPL 2021
In early May 2021, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to suspend the IPL season midway after multiple Covid-19 cases were reported across teams. At that stage, 29 matches had already been completed before the tournament was halted due to safety concerns within the bio-secure environment.
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Chakaravarthy, who had tested positive during the tournament, found himself at the centre of public backlash. With the IPL being one of the few major sources of entertainment during the pandemic lockdown, its sudden suspension triggered widespread frustration among fans. This frustration, however, soon translated into targeted abuse against the cricketer.
Abuse and mental toll
Speaking about the incident, Chakaravarthy revealed that he was subjected to intense trolling and hate messages on social media. He recalled receiving extremely harsh comments, including people telling him, “Why don’t you just die,” highlighting the severity of the backlash he faced at the time.
The cricketer indicated that the anger from fans stemmed from the abrupt suspension of the tournament, with many unfairly blaming him for the disruption. Despite the fact that multiple Covid cases had emerged across teams, Chakaravarthy became one of the most visible targets of online outrage.
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The episode reflects the darker side of social media, where athletes are often subjected to extreme criticism and personal attacks during high-pressure situations. For Chakaravarthy, the experience was not just about professional setbacks but also about dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of such abuse.
From backlash to redemption
After few years, now Chakaravarthy has gone on to be part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, marking a significant turnaround in his career. His journey from being heavily criticised during the pandemic-hit IPL season to achieving success on the global stage highlights both resilience and perseverance.
The revelation also adds to a growing list of instances where Indian cricketers have spoken about online abuse, underlining the need for greater awareness and accountability on digital platforms. Chakaravarthy’s experience serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face beyond the field, especially in moments of crisis.
