KL Rahul opens up about popular TV show 'Koffee With Karan' controversy

Indian cricket star KL Rahul has spoken out about the massive controversy that surrounded him and teammate Hardik Pandya after their appearance on the TV show "Koffee With Karan" in 2019. The comments they made on the show sparked a huge backlash, leading to their suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The controversy forced both players to return from Australia's tour midway. On a podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath alongside Kriti Sanon and Badshah, Rahul revealed how the incident left a lasting impact on him, saying it scarred him and led to significant personal change.

"That interview scarred me massively..."

Speaking candidly on the podcast, KL Rahul described how the backlash from "Koffee With Karan" deeply affected him, stating that the controversy changed his perspective on life and his approach to both cricket and his personal interactions. The incident, which led to his suspension along with Hardik Pandya, was a major setback in his career. According to Rahul, the fallout from the show scarred him emotionally, forcing him to reflect on his actions and evolve as an individual.

In 2019, the episode aired while Rahul and Pandya were part of the Indian team in Australia. However, after the controversy erupted, they were sent back to India, which was a significant low point in their careers. Rahul's appearance on the podcast marks one of the rare instances where the cricketer has publicly addressed how the incident affected him on a personal level.

"I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. Couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, If I stood I got trolled," he 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, 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," he added.

Aiming for a comeback

Currently, KL Rahul is focused on the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024, where he will be hoping to impress selectors and make his way back into the Indian Test squad ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Although Rahul has faced ups and downs since the controversy, he has remained determined to reclaim his place in the Indian team. 

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Additionally, speculation is growing around whether he will be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), though no official decisions have been announced yet.