KL Rahul Reveals He Started Doubting Himself as a Person After the Koffee with Karan Controversy

Kings XI Punjab opener KL Rahul has revealed that the Koffee with Karan controversy was one of the most difficult phases in his life. He added that it was during that time when he started doubting himself as a person. KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya were suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after their inappropriate remarks on the TV talk show. They received a lot of flak and criticism from several quarters for their objectionable actions.

However, BCCI decided to withdraw the suspension a few days later. All-rounder Hardik Pandya joined the Indian team for the ODI series in New Zealand. Meanwhile, KL Rahul had to stay back as he played for India A. Rahul eventually made a comeback in the national team during the T20I series against Australia. He returned to form with scores of 50 and 47 in two matches.

KL Rahul was part of Kings XI Punjab playing XI yesterday when his team defeated Rajasthan Royals in their opening encounter by 14 runs. Rahul is in contention for a spot in the 2019 World Cup. However, after that particular incident, KL Rahul thought his cricket career was under a cloud. Rahul stated that he went through an extremely tough phase following the aftermath of the Koffee with Karan episode.

“Last two months have been very very tough for me. When it happened I had started to doubt myself as a person,” Rahul told India Today in an exclusive interview. “I was hated nationally and it was not easy. I always thought I was a good person and then I started to believe otherwise.”

While speaking to India Today, KL Rahul revealed that he stayed in his home following the incident and started doubting himself as a person. Following the incident, Rahul feels that he is a more calm and matured person.

“I couldn’t come out of home for I was not ready. Only played play station and all. I have become calmer and more mature as a result. It has taught me a lot and maybe I have emerged stronger also,” he said.

KL Rahul will be an important player for Kings XI Punjab through the course of IPL 12. He was the leading run scorer for Punjab last year and got his franchise off to terrific starts on a consistent basis. He started off his IPL 12 campaign with a low score of 4 against the Rajasthan Royals.