Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and batsman KL Rahul have had a horrific start to 2019. Following their "misogynistic" and "sexist" comments on the popular TV show Koffee with Karan, Pandya and Rahul were immediately called back from Australia. While both the cricketers were barred from the three-match ODI series Down Under, they will now miss the five ODIs and three T20Is in New Zealand.

The duo is currently facing suspension pending an inquiry by the BCCI and it is not yet known what punishment would be handed to the two cricketers. Recently, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) requested the Supreme Court of India to appoint an ombudsman for the further inquiry in the case. Therefore, it is not clear for how long Pandya and Rahul will be out of action.

Amidst the bizarre state of affairs, it is learnt that IPL franchise Mumbai Indians had reportedly requested the BCCI to speed up Hardik Pandya's investigation. However, Reliance Industries's CEO – Sundar Raman – has completely denied any such move.

“MI has nothing to do with this,” Raman was quoted saying by Times of India.

Pandya and Rahul are among the leading T20 cricketers in the world. While Hardik is the mainstay in the Mumbai Indians’ middle order and seam department, Rahul provides a swashbuckling start to the Punjab team at the top of the order.