Ace Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reflected back on his misogynistic comments in Koffee With Karan show last year saying he didn’t know the meaning of the word misogynist. Incidentally, Hardik and KL Rahul had copped a lot of criticisms for their conduct in the talk show in early 2019.
Hardik was tagged as misogynists and sexist for his comments on women. It reached such a high that BCCI had to intervene and suspend the cricketers for their misconduct. Cut short to 2020, engaged and a father to a child, Hardik Pandya is a changed and matured person.
I adore women – Hardik Pandya
Reflecting on the same, the all-rounder defined the period as one of the darkest in his life, in a recent interview with the Times of India. The 27-year-old said that it took him some time to understand what the word ‘misogynistic’ meant.
“I really didn’t know what ‘misogynistic’ meant. At first, I laughed thinking it was some word being used to make fun of me. Then a friend said, it means “someone who strongly dislikes women”, he told TOI.
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“How can I dislike women? Mom, didi (sister), bhabhi (sister-in-law), Natasa – they’re all women. I adore them. My home is all about women. We are, because they are,” he continued.
Hardik Pandya reportedly locked himself in the house, refused to go out, and kept contemplating on how he let himself, KL Rahul, and Indian cricket team and fans down with his comments. It was his family whose support then helped him handle the situation and bounce back.
“For the first time, I wasn’t in control of my own life. Everything around me started to crumble. I had to lock myself up. If not for my family, I’d have lost a great deal of everything. They were and continue to remain the backbone – the women in my family,” he said.
However, a change in personality has also reflected in his game, as Hardik Pandya looks a lot matured in the field and offers to take responsibility. He has been in stellar form with the bat and hopes to carry on the job in the remaining games.
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