The Big Revelation: Why Virat Kohli Stayed Away
In a candid conversation that has finally provided answers to a long-standing fan question, filmmaker Karan Johar has revealed the real reason why Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has never graced the famous couch on Koffee With Karan. The revelation came during Johar's recent discussion with tennis star Sania Mirza, where he openly discussed his cautious approach towards inviting cricketers after a major controversy.
The 2019 Controversy That Changed Everything
The turning point, as Johar explained, was the infamous 2019 episode featuring Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul. This particular installment of the celebrity chat show spiraled into one of the biggest controversies in the program's history, creating shockwaves through both the entertainment and cricketing worlds.
During that fateful episode, all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a series of remarks that were widely condemned as sexist and inappropriate. He boasted about his nightlife and relationships in a manner that triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms and news outlets. Pandya's comments about women, including detailed descriptions of how he discussed his sexual encounters with his parents, were particularly criticized for their misogynistic tone.
When host Karan Johar asked why he doesn't ask women for their names in nightclubs, Pandya responded with: "I like to watch and observe how they move. I'm little from the black side so I need to see how they move." This statement, among others, drew severe criticism from viewers and cricket authorities alike.
Immediate Consequences and Lasting Impact
The backlash was swift and severe. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took immediate action by issuing show-cause notices to both players and suspending them from the Indian national team pending an official inquiry. The controversy forced both cricketers to issue public apologies and served as a harsh lesson about public conduct for professional athletes.
KL Rahul later reflected on the incident, describing the suspension as emotionally challenging and acknowledging it as a turning point in his career. He admitted that the episode taught him to be more careful about his words and behavior in public settings.
Since that controversial 2019 episode, no cricketer has been invited to appear on Koffee With Karan. Johar has maintained this cautious approach, explicitly stating that he hasn't even asked Virat Kohli to appear on the show due to the lingering impact of the Pandya-Rahul controversy.
The show, known for its glamorous set, rapid-fire rounds, and celebrity confessions, has hosted virtually every major Bollywood star from Shah Rukh Khan to Deepika Padukone. However, the 2019 scandal served as a rare instance where the program's trademark irreverence crossed boundaries and resulted in national outrage, permanently altering Johar's guest selection strategy when it comes to cricketers.
