'Hardik has not stepped out since returning from Australia,' Pandya's father gives update on suspended cricketer

Jan 16 (AZINS) Hardik Pandya received a lot of flak because of the comments he made during his appearance at a talk show along with teammate KL Rahul.

It has been a pretty tough week for him as he was sent back home midway from the Australia tour and is currently suspended by the Indian cricket board, BCCI.

Pandya faced recoil for his statements that were termed ‘sexist’ and ‘disrespectful’ remarks on women.

Pandya’s father,  Himanshu, has given an update on his son’s current situation to a national daily. He revealed that Pandya has not stepped out of the house since returning from Australia and he did not even celebrate Makar Sankranti.

"He watched the match (India vs Australia 2nd ODI). Ever since he has returned from Australia, he has not stepped out of the house. He is also not taking any calls... he is just taking rest.

It’s a festival... a public holiday in Gujarat, but Hardik did not fly any kites. He loves flying kites but his busy cricketing schedule never allowed him to be at home during this festival over the last few years. This time, he had a chance to fly kites, but because of the adverse situation, there was no mood to celebrate the festival”, he said.

“He is very disappointed with the suspension and repents the views he expressed on the TV show. He is committed not to repeat the same mistake,” Himanshu said of his son’s take on the subject. “We have decided not to talk to him on this subject. Even his elder brother Krunal has not discussed anything about the episode with him. We are waiting for the BCCI’s decision,” he further added.

While Pandya and Rahul have offered “unconditional” apologies for their sexist comments during a TV chat show, CoA chief Vinod Rai has said that the BCCI should correct the two players and not end their careers.