IN PICS | Hardik Pandya makes first public appearance since furore over comments on ‘Koffee with Karan’

Amid criticism from all quarters following his controversial comments on ‘Koffee with Karan’, Hardik Pandya was snapped by the paparazzi in his first public appearance on Saturday.     

READ: 'Karan Johar Too Is Responsible For Hardik Pandya's Statements', Says Sreesanth On The Controversy

The Team India all-rounder was dressed in a casual avatar as he arrived at the Mumbai airport for his journey. His brother, Mumbai Indians and Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was also spotted walking behind him in the pictures. 

His appearance comes in the wake of his father Himanshu Pandya’s statement in a recent interview that the cricketer had not left the house since the controversy. He had added that his son doesn’t take calls and would just take rest at home.

Though the cricketer is following the series on TV, he didn’t celebrate Makar Sankranti by flying kites, Pandya Sr had revealed. He continued that the all-rounder is not in the mood due to the ‘adverse situation’ though he loves flying kites but never gets the opportunity to do so due to his hectic schedule. 

Himanshu Pandya had added that the Hardik is disappointed with the suspension, regrets his comments and is committed to not repeat his mistake. He had also stated that the family, including Krunal had not spoken about it to him and were waiting for the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. 

Hardik during his appearance on the chat show ‘Koffee with Karan’ alongside teammate KL Rahul had made misogynist, racist and sexist comments. Following the furore on social media, the duo was dropped from the recent tour to Australia and they returned to India.   

While Indian captain Virat Kohli stated that the team ‘doesn’t align with the views’ and Harbhajan Singh lashed out at them, Sourav Ganguly and Sreesanth have come out in support of them, calling it a ‘mistake’. 

READ: BCCI Acting President Urges CoA To Lift Suspension On Hardik Pandya And KL Rahul, Demands Permission For Duo To Play Pending Enquiry

The matter has even reached the Supreme Court which recently adjourned a hearing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Committee of Administrators (CoA) in the case.