KL Rahul reacts to the impact of Koffee With Karan episode in his life, says 'That interview scarred me for life'

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.
The controversy surrounding KL Rahul's Koffee with Karan erupted in 2019 when he appeared on the show alongside Hardik Pandya. Their remarks, particularly Pandya’s, were deemed sexist and inappropriate, sparking widespread backlash. While Rahul’s comments were relatively subdued, he faced criticism for not countering Pandya’s remarks. As a result, both cricketers were suspended by the BCCI and sent home from the Australia tour. The controversy significantly impacted their careers, leading to introspection and public apologies. Eventually, Rahul made a strong comeback, proving his resilience and focus on cricket despite the setback caused by the show’s fallout.
The cricketers underwent a lot of scrutiny by their fans and even their industry for the Interview.
Koffee with Karan is a popular celebrity talk show hosted by Karan Johar. Known for its candid conversations, rapid-fire rounds, and juicy gossip, the show features Bollywood stars revealing industry secrets, relationships, and personal stories. It's witty and glamorous format makes it a fan-favorite for entertainment and celebrity insights.
Koffee with Karan, hosted by Karan Johar, is known for its glamorous guests, candid conversations, and spicy revelations. However, the show has often courted controversy due to its bold questions and unfiltered moments.
One of the biggest controversies erupted in 2019 when Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul made misogynistic remarks on the show, leading to public outrage and their suspension from the Indian cricket team. Another infamous moment was Kangana Ranaut’s appearance, where she called Karan Johar the “flagbearer of nepotism,” sparking an industry-wide debate.
Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor also grabbed headlines when they took digs at Ranbir Kapoor in an early season. Similarly, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra’s playful rivalry led to some sharp exchanges.
Despite these controversies, the show remains popular for its entertainment value, ensuring that every season delivers drama, gossip, and headline-making moments.
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