KXIP opener Rahul recently landed himself in a massive controversy after making inappropriate comments on TV show Koffee with Karan.
Bollywood actress and Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta has said that it was very sad to see Indian batsman KL Rahul become a subject of widespread criticism after his, and national teammate Hardik Pandya's, misogynist comments over a popular TV show - "Koffee with Karan".
The highly talented duo was also provisionally suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for their inappropriate remarks. While those suspensions have now been lifted, Hardik and Rahul still face a BCCI inquiry into the whole matter conducted by Ombudsman DK Jain.
"It is so good to see Rahul back in form," Zinta told PTI. "He is a very very nice guy. What happened is in the past. I just feel the bad the way the whole thing turned out but you live and learn. Actually, he is very sweet and respectful with women, so I don’t know the way it all came out.
"As I said, these are teachable moments. His friend and teammate Pandya was trolled more for his loose talk on women but Rahul too has admitted that he had started to doubt himself as a person after the incident. He has put the controversy behind and is very much in the reckoning of a World Cup spot."
Zinta then said that she does share her own good and bad experiences with Kings XI Punjab cricketers after having now spent more than two decades in the film industry.
"Yes, we do have those conversations, we have been there and done that," she added. "These are young guys and they will live and learn with time. Unless you make a mistake or falter, you will never learn."
Preity then hailed West Indies great Chis Gayle as the funniest guy in the Kings XI dressing room. Gayle is famous for his banter and typical Caribbean antics, apart from being a "Universe Boss" with the bat.
"My all-time favourite is Chris Gayle," she said. "He is unbelievable. He is a true superstar, in terms of how he comes across, in terms of how he plays, he how he is with the youngsters, he is so humble, he is always on time, he is just unbelievable and he is so much fun at the same time."
Preity is quite hopeful of Kings XI Punjab winning its first ever IPL title this year. Under premier off-spinner R Ashwin, the team from up north has certainly begun the tournament well. It has clinched victory in three out of its four matches so far, and next face-off against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday (April 6).
"We broke even a long time ago. But yes, when I got into the IPL, I wanted to win the title, especially coming from Punjab, where people have the largest heart, we want to win for them, we owe it to our fans. I am really keeping my fingers crossed this time," she concluded.