Indian cricket spinner Varun Chakravarthy revealed he received shocking death threats and severe online abuse after testing positive for COVID-19 during the 2021 Indian Premier League. His positive test contributed to the suspension of the tournament that year. Fans directed hateful messages at the player, including wishes for his death.
The incident highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by professional athletes, particularly in cricket-obsessed India where the IPL is a marquee sporting event. The tournament suspension had significant financial and sporting implications, leading some fans to blame individual players rather than the broader pandemic circumstances.