Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy has opened up about the online abuse he faced after contracting Covid-19 during the first half of IPL 2021. As a result of the bowler's viral infection, the cash rich league was suspended in May. The second leg of the 14th edition of IPL is currently happening at the UAE.

Following Varun Chakravarthy's diagnosis on May 2, several contingent members reportedly tested positive for the virus, which eventually led to the midway suspension of the tournament. The BCCI had then stated, "The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect. The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind."

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the social media handle of Kolkata Knight Riders shared a video where Varun Chakravarthy spoke about the online hate he received following his diagnosis. "I remember when Dr. Srikanth just called and I still remember the words he told me, it’s unfortunately positive Varun. So that just shattered everything. I really didn't know that it is going to blow up so much. I even got emails and messages on Instagram where people told me 'Rather you should have been dead,'" the spinner mentioned.