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Kohli says Pandya’s ‘sexist’ comments not reflective of team
SYDNEY, Jan 11, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – India captain Virat Kohli Friday distanced
his team from controversial comments deemed sexist by all-rounder Hardik
Pandya on a TV chat show that sparked social media outrage.
Pandya bragged about his prowess with women during an interview on the
Indian show that also involved opening batsman KL Rahul, sparking concern
about the culture within the squad.
The programme, Koffee with Karan, is hosted by Bollywood producer and
director Karan Johar who encourages guests to open up on personal matters.
Both players were ordered to explain themselves by the Board of Control
for Cricket in India and face suspension with the furore overshadowing the
team’s upcoming one-day series against Australia, starting in Sydney on
Saturday.
Kohli was pressed on the matter in a pre-game media conference and made
clear the comments were not acceptable. “From the Indian cricket team point
of view, any inappropriate comments that are made in that scenario are
something that we definitely don’t support,” he said.
Kohli added that the two players “have understood the magnitude of what’s
happened”.
“Definitely it has to hit hard, they will definitely understand the things
that have not gone right.
Indian cricket chiefs on Wednesday said the two players had been given 24
hours to explain themselves, with Pandya already posting an apology on social
media.
“After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to
apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way,” Pandya said
on Twitter.
“Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way
did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect,” he added.
Pandya, who was in the squad that beat Australia for the first time in an
away Test series, boasted about his success with multiple women.
“You are just watching and observing how (women) move, as I said I am a
little from the black side (influenced by West Indies culture) so I have to
see how they move first,” he said.
Pandya also said he had bragged to his parents after losing his virginity.
It remains unclear whether he will play on Saturday, proving another
headache for Kohli with the seam-bowling all-rounder usually an automatic
pick.
India will play three one-dayers against Australia after winning their
first ever Test series in the country 2-1.
BSS/AFP/MR/1048 hrs