On Tuesday (9th April), Hardik Pandya deposed before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ombudsman, Justice DK Jain, for his controversial comments on a popular chat show. KL Rahul followed the same path on the next day (10th April) as he also appeared for deposition before the BCCI Ombudsman.
In last January, both the Indian cricketers entered into a massive controversy. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul together appeared in the popular Indian chat show, named Koffee With Karan, that was broadcasted in last January. During that show, both the cricketers made some sexist and racist remarks on women. Both faced massive criticism from many Indians.
Later, the BCCI suspended both the cricketers for an undefined time-period. However, later, both the cricketers officially apologized for their controversial comments on that chat show. Around one month later of their suspension, the BCCI provisionally revoked their suspensions. However, BCCI Ombudsman’s inquiry was still pending.
In the last week, Justice DK Jain issued notices to both the alleged cricketers to appear for their depositions. Now both the cricketers have appeared for depositions before the BCCI Ombudsman.
Currently, both the cricketers are busy in the ongoing IPL season. Hardik Pandya is playing for Mumbai Indians (MI) while KL Rahul is serving for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). While Hardik Pandya appeared for deposition before the BCCI Ombudsman on Tuesday, KL Rahul appeared for the same on Wednesday.
Both the in-form cricketers are ready to face each other
On Wednesday night, MI and KXIP will face each other at Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai). Both the alleged cricketers are also ready to feature in this game.
Both the cricketers are playing good cricket in the ongoing IPL season. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has scored 102 runs (average 34.00) and also has taken four wickets in this season.
Meanwhile, the KXIP opening batsman KL Rahul is the leading run-scorer for his team in this season. The right-handed batsman has scored 217 runs in six matches (average 54.25), including three half-centuries.
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is less than two months away to begin. Both the players are very important cricketers for the Indian national cricket team. While the Indian selectors will pick up the World Cup squad on 15th April, Ombudsman’s verdict is likely to come before the team selection.