In a heartfelt and candid interaction with actress-cum-sports presenter Sahiba Bali, Varun Chakravarthy peeled back the layers of his cricketing journey – one that wasn’t all glamour, fame, or instant success.
Today, a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Varun is widely known as a mystery spinner. But behind the calm demeanour on the field lies a story filled with anxiety, late starts, and emotional battles that nearly overwhelmed him.
Unlike many cricketers who begin their IPL careers in their early 20s, Varun entered the league at 28 years old – an age when most players are already established. This late entry created immense pressure, self-doubt, and fear about his future.
Varun Chakravarthy opens up on panic Attacks, sleepless nights and mental health struggles
When asked directly about panic attacks, Varun didn’t hesitate:
“Yes… during my first two IPL seasons, I used to get panic attacks every night.”
This wasn’t just occasional stress – it was a recurring mental health struggle. He revealed that he would often:
- Wake up completely drenched in sweat
- Feel constant anxiety and restlessness
- Struggle to sleep without medication
- Experience overwhelming uncertainty about life
At that time, life felt directionless. Before cricket, Varun had even tried his luck in the film industry – but that path didn’t work out. Financial instability added another layer of stress. He had no steady income, no job security, and even personal milestones like marriage felt uncertain.
This combination of career pressure + personal instability created a perfect storm for anxiety.
The role of Varun’s wife: A pillar of strength
Amid all this chaos, one constant source of strength stood by him – his wife.
Varun openly acknowledged: “My wife played a huge role in calming me down.”
Varun’s wife’s (Neha Khedekar) emotional support helped him navigate those dark nights when panic attacks felt unbearable. In high-pressure careers like cricket, where performance defines survival, personal support systems often become the difference between breaking down and bouncing back.
The reality behind a cricketer’s life
Varun also shattered a common myth:
“People think a cricketer’s life is easy and glamorous… but that’s only true for 5%. The remaining 95% struggle their entire lives.”
This statement resonates deeply.
While fans see packed stadiums, big contracts, and fame, the unseen reality includes:
- Years of uncertainty and rejection
- Constant performance pressure
- Fear of being replaced or dropped
- Financial instability, especially early on
For Varun, entering late meant he was always “playing catch-up.” He had to prove himself faster, work harder, and deal with comparisons against younger, more experienced players.
From struggle to stability: Varun’s rise in KKR
Despite the hardships, Varun transformed his struggles into strength.
Today, he is a vital part of KKR’s bowling unit, known for his variations and control. But the journey to stability wasn’t overnight – it took years of persistence, mental resilience, and self-belief.
He now views his early struggles not as setbacks but as building blocks that shaped his mindset and performance.
KKR, the three-time IPL champions, kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a challenging clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, March 29, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. It’s a high-pressure start that promises plenty of excitement. Soon after, KKR return home to Kolkata, where they’ll face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday, April 2. That match marks the beginning of their home leg at Eden Gardens, where passionate fans are expected to turn up in huge numbers to cheer their team and create an electric atmosphere.
