One of the recent episodes of Koffee with Karan controversy has resulted in Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul out of the ongoing Australia ODI series as well as the forthcoming New Zealand tour. While a return in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the ICC World Cup for the duo also remains a big talking point, it isn’t yet known what sort of a turn their careers will take.
However, the recent reports have suggested that in the matter have been heartwrenching for the cricketers and now Hardik’s father Himanshu has revealed that his son has even refused to leave the house or attend phone calls, after being given provisional suspension by the BCCI.
During a chat with Mid-day, Hardik’s father, Himanshu said, “He watched the match (India vs Australia 2nd ODI). Ever since he has returned from Australia, he has not stepped out of the house. He is also not taking any calls… he is just taking rest.”
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Born in Surat, Hardik, like most of the Gujaratis, celebrated Makar Sankranti joyously by flying kites every year. But that hasn’t been the case with the all-rounder despite the fact that he is home during the festive period for the first time after a long time.
Describing the same, Mr. Himanshu said, “It’s a festival… a public holiday in Gujarat, but Hardik did not fly any kites. He loves flying kites but his busy cricketing schedule never allowed him to be at home during this festival over the last few years. This time, he had a chance to fly kites, but because of the adverse situation, there was no mood to celebrate the festival.”
Both Hardik and Rahul received flak from social media as well as the members of the board for their comments at the chat show. While apologies in all forms have come from the cricketers, the BCCI’s final call on the severity of the punishment isn’t known yet.
Pandya Sr. concluded, “He is very disappointed with the suspension and repents the views he expressed on the TV show. He is committed not to repeat the same mistake. We have decided not to talk to him on this subject. Even his elder brother Krunal has not discussed anything about the episode with him. We are waiting for the BCCI’s decision.”
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It has been understood that the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri received statements from Hardik and Rahul and is supposed to submit a report on the matter to the CoA.
