Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are in troubled waters ever since the episode of Koffee with Karan talk show was aired on Television on Sunday. The former’s misogynist comments especially came under the scanner as he was lashed out by many social media. Even the BCCI had sent the duo a show cause notice and gave them 24 hours to respond to the same. However, the CoA chief Vinod Rai is not satisfied with the explanations and has recommended a two-match ban on the cricketers.
Hardik responded to the notice on Wednesday evening and stated that he was ‘sincerely regretful’ for his comments on the show. There was no news of Rahul responding despite the fact that he didn’t make any eyebrow-raising comments. But their responses haven’t satisfied Rai who clearly stated the same and is awaiting Diana Edulji’s approval over ban which looks likely to be imposed.
“I am not convinced with Hardik’s explanation and I have recommended a two-match ban for both players. However, the final decision will be taken once Diana gives her go ahead. Diana has sought legal opinion whether the duo can be banned. So, obviously, a decision will be taken once she gives her nod. As far as I am concerned, the comments were crass, in bad taste and unacceptable,” Vinod Rai was quoted as saying by the Free Press Journal.
The cricketers are currently in Australia gearing up for the ODI series. Both of them were the part of the Test series as well which India won creating history. But little did they know that the interview which they gave before travelling to Australia will create a huge negative impact back in India once aired on the Television.
If the decision is taken with immediate effect then India’s team combination for the first couple of ODIs will definitely change as Pandya is the vital cog of the team. Ravindra Jadeja will most probably walk into the playing XI in that case.
