In a frank and sincere conversation with actress-sports presenter Sahiba Bali, Varun Chakraborty peeled back the layers of his cricketing journey – it wasn’t all glamour, fame or instant success.
The main player for today Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Varun is known as a mystery spinner. But behind his calm demeanor on the field lies a story filled with anxiety, late starts and emotional battles that nearly took him down.
Unlike many cricketers who start their IPL career in their 20s, Varun entered the league at 28 – an age when most players are already established. This late entry created a great deal of pressure, self-doubt and fear about his future.
Varun Chakravarthy talks about panic attacks, sleepless nights and mental health struggles
When asked directly about his panic attacks, Varun didn’t hesitate:
“Yes…I had panic attacks every night during the first two seasons of the IPL.”
It wasn’t just random stress—it was a recurring mental health struggle. He revealed that he would often:
- Wake up covered in sweat
- Feel constant anxiety and worry
- Struggle to sleep without medication
- Experience the overwhelming uncertainty of life
Life seemed directionless then. Before cricket, Varun even tried his hand at the film industry – but it didn’t work out. Financial instability added another layer of stress. She had no steady income, no job security, and even personal milestones like marriage were uncertain.
This combination of career pressure + personal instability created a perfect storm for anxiety.
Role of Varu’s wife: Pillar of strength
In all this chaos, a constant source of strength stood by him – his wife.
Varun openly admitted: “My wife played a big role in calming me down.”
Varu’s wife (Neha Khedekar) emotional support helped her navigate the dark nights when her panic attacks felt unbearable. In high-pressure careers like cricket, where performance determines survival, personal support systems can often be the difference between falling apart and bouncing back.
The reality behind the life of a cricketer
Varun also busted a common myth:
“People think that a cricketer’s life is easy and glamorous… but that’s only true for 5%. The other 95% struggle all their lives.“
This statement resonates deeply.
While fans may see packed stadiums, big contracts and fame, the unseen reality includes:
- Years of uncertainty and rejection
- Constant performance pressure
- Fear of being replaced or discarded
- Financial instability, especially early on
For Varun, getting in late meant he was always there “playing catch up.” He had to prove himself faster, work harder and compare with younger, more experienced players.
From struggle to stability: Varu’s rise at KKR
Despite the odds, Varun turned his struggle into strength.
Today, he is an essential part of KKR’s bowling unit, known for his variations and control. But the road to stability didn’t happen overnight—it took years of persistence, mental toughness, and self-confidence.
Now, he sees his early struggles not as setbacks, but as building blocks that shaped his mindset and performance.
Three-time IPL champions KKR begin their IPL 2026 campaign with a tough clash against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. It’s a high-pressure start that promises plenty of excitement. Soon, KKR return home to Kolkata where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday, April 2. This match marks the start of their home game at the Eden Gardens, where passionate fans are expected to turn up in large numbers to cheer on their team and create an electric atmosphere.
Also READ: 5 sixes, 9 fours! The KKR young gun is on a bloody ton of carnage ahead of IPL 2026
