Indian cricketer KL Rahul recently reflected on the fallout from his appearance on Koffee with Karan (KWK) in 2019. Speaking on a podcast with Nikhil Kamath, Rahul shared how the incident profoundly changed him, forcing him to adopt a more grounded perspective on life and fame.
Rahul recalled his childhood as a soft-spoken individual who gained immense confidence after making his debut for the Indian cricket team. However, that confidence took a hit after the KWK controversy. During the 2018-19 Australia tour, he and teammate Hardik Pandya faced suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their remarks on the show. The duo had to leave the tour midway and return to India, an experience that left a lasting impact on Rahul.
“I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I didn’t care. I was much younger back then,” Rahul admitted. “But a couple of years ago, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat, I got trolled. If I stood, I got trolled.” He further elaborated on how the interview changed him. “That interview scarred me massively. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India, and my confidence grew. I was always comfortable in a room full of 100 people. But now, I don’t feel the same because of that experience.”
Rahul also emphasized how difficult it was for him to process the suspension. “I had never been suspended in school, never even punished. I did my share of mischief, but nothing that would get me expelled or make my parents come to school,” he said.
For those unfamiliar, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya appeared on *Koffee with Karan* in 2019, where their comments sparked controversy. The backlash led to their suspension from the Indian cricket team, marking a major setback in their careers.
While the incident was a turning point, Rahul has since moved forward, learning valuable lessons about public perception and responsibility as an athlete.
