Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers. Five years later, a changed and more mature KL Rahul recalls what happened after the episode aired and how his life turned upside down.

At that time, when that episode made headlines within the Indian cricket fraternity and fans, KL and Pandya were in Australia. The controversy erupted, cutting short their stay Down Under as BCCI recalled the pair home.

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Appearing on Nikhil Kamath's YouTube podcast, featuring guests Kriti Sanon and Badshah, KL Rahul candidly discussed how that episode profoundly impacted his life. The India keeper-batter Rahul admitted that the interview left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person.

"I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. A couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, if I stood I got trolled," Rahul said.&nbsp;

"The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.”

"Now I don't because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, or punished in school. I don't know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools, but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come," Rahul noted.

<h2>Life afterwards</h2>

Meanwhile, KL and Hardik have come a long way since that episode. While Hardik was appointed the ODI vice-captain for the 2023 World Cup, later replacing Rohit Sharma as the new captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Rahul became the first-choice keeper-batter in the One-Day format.&nbsp;

Both played handy roles in the ODI World Cup last year, helping the hosts reach the final. Though Pandya got ruled out during the Bangladesh tie, KL Rahul was among the runs, besides getting acknowledged for his wicket-keeping.

KL and Pandya are in the fray for spots in the ODI side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers.

Star Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on a now-deleted infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode that aired in 2019, which later led to their suspension from Indian Cricket over some of their remarks being deemed inappropriate and offensive by viewers. Five years later, a changed and more mature KL Rahul recalls what happened after the episode aired and how his life turned upside down. At that time, when that episode made headlines within the Indian cricket fraternity and fans, KL and Pandya were in Australia. The controversy erupted, cutting short their stay Down Under as BCCI recalled the pair home. ALSO READ: ENG v SL 2024: Mark Wood won't bowl on day four of Manchester Test against Sri Lanka - ECB Appearing on Nikhil Kamath's YouTube podcast, featuring guests Kriti Sanon and Badshah, KL Rahul candidly discussed how that episode profoundly impacted his life. The India keeper-batter Rahul admitted that the interview left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person. "I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. A couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, if I stood I got trolled," Rahul said. "The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.” "Now I don't because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, or punished in school. I don't know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools, but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come," Rahul noted. Life afterwards Meanwhile, KL and Hardik have come a long way since that episode. While Hardik was appointed the ODI vice-captain for the 2023 World Cup, later replacing Rohit Sharma as the new captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Rahul became the first-choice keeper-batter in the One-Day format. Both played handy roles in the ODI World Cup last year, helping the hosts reach the final. Though Pandya got ruled out during the Bangladesh tie, KL Rahul was among the runs, besides getting acknowledged for his wicket-keeping. KL and Pandya are in the fray for spots in the ODI side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

‘That interview scarred me massively’ – KL Rahul on life after infamous ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode

Koffee with Karan’s controversial episode featuring the two Indian cricketers was aired in the first week of January, triggering outrage. It prompted the CoA to call the duo back from the tour of Australia and handed them provisional suspensions. Pandya and Rahul then tendered unconditional apologies

India's star batsman KL Rahul was at the receiving end for the sexist comments he made along with teammate Hardik Pandya on Karan Johar's TV show Koffee with Karan, that was aired in the first week of January.

The comments triggered outrage as the two boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open they had been about it with their parents and family.

The two cricketers were labelled misogynistic and sexist, forcing them to offer unconditional apologies.&nbsp;

Rahul kept his calm took and proved his worth as a cricketer by displaying his batting prowess in the 12 the edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;

Not only he depleted the bowling attack of the opponent teams but also book a World Cup place for himself.&nbsp;

On being asked what he has to say about the entire controversy that almost ruined his career, Rahul said, "what fun is it if there's no ups and downs in life".

Ya, look, what fun is it if there's no ups and downs in life. Life will just become boring and it doesn't mean I am expecting bad things to happen to me but yes I am somebody who just takes things as it comes."

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The 27-year-old also stressed that the entire controversy&nbsp;which left the cricket world divided was "unnecessary".

"It was very unnecessary and not expected. But yes it happens. It helped me grow as a person and the stronger I am as a person that reflects on how I play my cricket as well. Even in Sports, you are knocked down sometimes, you need to learn how to fight that battle and also win the game for your team. So, I have taken everything positively."

Combing back to IPL, KL Rahul has led the Punjab franchise from the front, hitting 550 runs in 12 games.

The batsman, so far, has one century and five half-centuries to his name to become the most dependent batsman of the team.&nbsp;

Later in the day, Punjab will lock horns with Kolkata in a must-win encounter to keep their remote play-off chances alive.&nbsp;

Koffee with Karan’s controversial episode featuring the two Indian cricketers was aired in the first week of January, triggering outrage. It prompted the CoA to call the duo back from the tour of Australia and handed them provisional suspensions.

Koffee with Karan’s controversial episode featuring the two Indian cricketers was aired in the first week of January, triggering outrage. It prompted the CoA to call the duo back from the tour of Australia and handed them provisional suspensions. Pandya and Rahul then tendered unconditional apologies India's star batsman KL Rahul was at the receiving end for the sexist comments he made along with teammate Hardik Pandya on Karan Johar's TV show Koffee with Karan, that was aired in the first week of January. The comments triggered outrage as the two boasted about hooking up with multiple women and also how open they had been about it with their parents and family. The two cricketers were labelled misogynistic and sexist, forcing them to offer unconditional apologies. Rahul kept his calm took and proved his worth as a cricketer by displaying his batting prowess in the 12 the edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Not only he depleted the bowling attack of the opponent teams but also book a World Cup place for himself. On being asked what he has to say about the entire controversy that almost ruined his career, Rahul said, "what fun is it if there's no ups and downs in life". Ya, look, what fun is it if there's no ups and downs in life. Life will just become boring and it doesn't mean I am expecting bad things to happen to me but yes I am somebody who just takes things as it comes." × The 27-year-old also stressed that the entire controversy which left the cricket world divided was "unnecessary". "It was very unnecessary and not expected. But yes it happens. It helped me grow as a person and the stronger I am as a person that reflects on how I play my cricket as well. Even in Sports, you are knocked down sometimes, you need to learn how to fight that battle and also win the game for your team. So, I have taken everything positively." Combing back to IPL, KL Rahul has led the Punjab franchise from the front, hitting 550 runs in 12 games. The batsman, so far, has one century and five half-centuries to his name to become the most dependent batsman of the team. Later in the day, Punjab will lock horns with Kolkata in a must-win encounter to keep their remote play-off chances alive.

KL Rahul on Koffee with Karan controversy: 'What fun is it if there's no ups and downs in life'

"I couldn't help but doubt myself, doubt my own character," said Indian cricketer KL Rahul as he reflected on the storm triggered by his and Hardik Pandya's sexist comments on a TV show.&nbsp;

Rahul and India teammate Pandya were provisionally suspended by the BCCI for their loose talk on women on the show. The Committee of Administrators (COA) handed the inquiry into the matter to the Supreme Court-appointed BCCI Ombudsman and a decision is still awaited.

Weeks away from his 27th birthday, Rahul spoke about what he endured after he was sent back before the ODI series in Australia.&nbsp;

"...It was hard as I am not used to people disliking me. For the first one week or 10 days, I couldn't help but doubt myself, doubt my own character. The hardest thing was to know whether actually, you are a bad person when so much has been written about you," Rahul said.

It was a time when Rahul briefly cut himself off socially as he was "scared to face" uncomfortable questions from outsiders.

"I was quite honestly scared to step out as I wasn't ready. If somebody would ask questions, I didn't know what I would answer. I would go for practice, come back home and be on my PlayStation as I wasn't simply ready to face people," the eloquent batsman said.

Rahul admitted that the glamour and razzmatazz that surrounds the Indian team has briefly left him disconnected with his roots and his well-wishers.

"When you start playing for the country, you are so distracted, you are always on the move, forget who your true friends are or how important family is. I have been on the road for a long time and I haven't had a break.

"So, you kind of have a disconnect with family or friends. You kind of drift away, don't make time for friends," he said.

One of the three Indian players, who has an international hundred across all formats, said there was a point he felt that those who are physically there with him are his real friends.&nbsp;

"You share a lot with them but you forget that there are people back home, who have seen your struggles, seen you when you were nothing. They have helped you because they liked the real you. You rediscover your relationships with a lot of people," he said.

However, he was thankful to the Indian team members and the support staff, who were there during his trying times.&nbsp;

"Even when I had to leave Australia and go back home, there were a lot of people who came up to me and put an arm around the shoulder and said 'It's okay, we have all been there and we have all made mistakes, and we have all had to face punishments in whatever way'."

The senior members of the Indian team had one advice for him: "Try to keep aside the hatred that you are receiving from social media and don't doubt yourself."&nbsp;

"So much has been said by people, that you start questioning yourself. But then family, friends, teammates, checked up on me as to what I was going through."

"I couldn't help but doubt myself, doubt my own character," said Indian cricketer KL Rahul as he reflected on the storm triggered by his and Hardik Pandya's sexist comments on a TV show.

"I couldn't help but doubt myself, doubt my own character," said Indian cricketer KL Rahul as he reflected on the storm triggered by his and Hardik Pandya's sexist comments on a TV show. Rahul and India teammate Pandya were provisionally suspended by the BCCI for their loose talk on women on the show. The Committee of Administrators (COA) handed the inquiry into the matter to the Supreme Court-appointed BCCI Ombudsman and a decision is still awaited. Weeks away from his 27th birthday, Rahul spoke about what he endured after he was sent back before the ODI series in Australia. "...It was hard as I am not used to people disliking me. For the first one week or 10 days, I couldn't help but doubt myself, doubt my own character. The hardest thing was to know whether actually, you are a bad person when so much has been written about you," Rahul said. It was a time when Rahul briefly cut himself off socially as he was "scared to face" uncomfortable questions from outsiders. "I was quite honestly scared to step out as I wasn't ready. If somebody would ask questions, I didn't know what I would answer. I would go for practice, come back home and be on my PlayStation as I wasn't simply ready to face people," the eloquent batsman said. Rahul admitted that the glamour and razzmatazz that surrounds the Indian team has briefly left him disconnected with his roots and his well-wishers. "When you start playing for the country, you are so distracted, you are always on the move, forget who your true friends are or how important family is. I have been on the road for a long time and I haven't had a break. "So, you kind of have a disconnect with family or friends. You kind of drift away, don't make time for friends," he said. One of the three Indian players, who has an international hundred across all formats, said there was a point he felt that those who are physically there with him are his real friends. "You share a lot with them but you forget that there are people back home, who have seen your struggles, seen you when you were nothing. They have helped you because they liked the real you. You rediscover your relationships with a lot of people," he said. However, he was thankful to the Indian team members and the support staff, who were there during his trying times. "Even when I had to leave Australia and go back home, there were a lot of people who came up to me and put an arm around the shoulder and said 'It's okay, we have all been there and we have all made mistakes, and we have all had to face punishments in whatever way'." The senior members of the Indian team had one advice for him: "Try to keep aside the hatred that you are receiving from social media and don't doubt yourself." "So much has been said by people, that you start questioning yourself. But then family, friends, teammates, checked up on me as to what I was going through."

I started doubting my character, wasn't ready to face people: KL Rahul on 'Koffee with Karan' controversy

When the outspoken Sreesanth says Karan Johar should also take the blame for the disastrous aftermath of Hardik Pandya's declarations on Koffee With Karan he is not off the mark.

Fact is, the channel is "extremely concerned" about its image after Pandya's misogyny was outed. And if sources are to be believed, axing the show has also been contemplated. But we now hear there would be no such grave ramifications, only an apology on the show for the careless and insensitive man-talk.

But a more far-reaching repercussion awaits the show as the guests would have to watch their mouth. And if they shoot it off nevertheless, Karan Johar would have to ensure the smut sleaze and innuendos are kept out of range.

Fact is, the show's underlining mood of sexiness was simmering to a boil for some time now. Both the men and the women celebrities were being asked what would be termed as improper questions and it was considered okay since, "Karan is like that only," as one of his indulgent female star guests told me.

Crossing the line comes naturally on "Koffee With Karan". It comes with the territory. The show is an extension of Karan Johar's personality. Everyone loves Karan, even if he is a little leery. No one minds if he asks what would be considered improper in other circumstances. He is a part of the super-privileged elite of Bollywood who have access to everyone who counts. And that makes him more powerful than almost anyone else in Bollywood.

Karan's own love life is zilch. But he is a love guru to many of the biggest actors and actresses. Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor are some of the stars who lean on Karan for heart-related advice. Karan has solved more love tangles than Mike Myers in Love Guru.

I once asked him about his status as Bollywood's resident love consultant and said, "I don't have a love life of my own. So I invest all my unused energy in others' love life."

This was long before the twin towers of his existence. His children, Roohi and Yash, have given him a reason to come home quickly after work. And Karan, who made sure he makes his presence felt at every happening-do in Mumbai, is no longer that wild a party animal. He would rather have dudhoo with his babies than Koffee with the stars.&nbsp;

If for no other reason, he should now curb his naughty instincts for the sake of his children. Would Karan like his son Yash on the sofa one day talking the way Hardik was heard talking?

Maybe he would. But then the normal lines of decorum are not sketched for Karan. This unsavoury incident has taught him not to look for a mischievous pun in the name 'Hardik'.

It's time to stop playing the field.

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/karan-johar-is-as-much-to-blame-for-hardik-pandya-controversy-should-watch-his-mouth-2172962.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When the outspoken Sreesanth says Karan Johar should also take the blame for the disastrous aftermath of Hardik Pandya's declarations on Koffee With Karan he is not off the mark.

When the outspoken Sreesanth says Karan Johar should also take the blame for the disastrous aftermath of Hardik Pandya's declarations on Koffee With Karan he is not off the mark. Fact is, the channel is "extremely concerned" about its image after Pandya's misogyny was outed. And if sources are to be believed, axing the show has also been contemplated. But we now hear there would be no such grave ramifications, only an apology on the show for the careless and insensitive man-talk. But a more far-reaching repercussion awaits the show as the guests would have to watch their mouth. And if they shoot it off nevertheless, Karan Johar would have to ensure the smut sleaze and innuendos are kept out of range. Fact is, the show's underlining mood of sexiness was simmering to a boil for some time now. Both the men and the women celebrities were being asked what would be termed as improper questions and it was considered okay since, "Karan is like that only," as one of his indulgent female star guests told me. Crossing the line comes naturally on "Koffee With Karan". It comes with the territory. The show is an extension of Karan Johar's personality. Everyone loves Karan, even if he is a little leery. No one minds if he asks what would be considered improper in other circumstances. He is a part of the super-privileged elite of Bollywood who have access to everyone who counts. And that makes him more powerful than almost anyone else in Bollywood. Karan's own love life is zilch. But he is a love guru to many of the biggest actors and actresses. Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor are some of the stars who lean on Karan for heart-related advice. Karan has solved more love tangles than Mike Myers in Love Guru. I once asked him about his status as Bollywood's resident love consultant and said, "I don't have a love life of my own. So I invest all my unused energy in others' love life." This was long before the twin towers of his existence. His children, Roohi and Yash, have given him a reason to come home quickly after work. And Karan, who made sure he makes his presence felt at every happening-do in Mumbai, is no longer that wild a party animal. He would rather have dudhoo with his babies than Koffee with the stars. If for no other reason, he should now curb his naughty instincts for the sake of his children. Would Karan like his son Yash on the sofa one day talking the way Hardik was heard talking? Maybe he would. But then the normal lines of decorum are not sketched for Karan. This unsavoury incident has taught him not to look for a mischievous pun in the name 'Hardik'. It's time to stop playing the field. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Karan Johar is as much to blame for Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul controversy

Ahead of first ODI, Kohli says waiting for BCCI to decide on Hardik Pandya's fate