India all-rounder Hardik Pandya went through a dreadful time after his appearance in the popular TV show ‘Koffee with Karan’ last year.
Pandya featured on the show along with teammate KL Rahul and created controversy by making "misogynistic" and "sexist" comments. After receiving flak from various quarters, the duo was suspended pending an inquiry by BCCI and called back from the tour Down Under.
Nearly a year later, Pandya opened up about the entire saga, saying the repercussion of his sexist remarks was such that he was finding it difficult to even step out of his house.
"I still remember I did not step out of my house. It took me a week or 10 days to just realise that this is not it. You have to step out and face the things than just being in your cocoon," Pandya told India Today during its programme 'Inspiration'.
"I realised that this is kind of an exam that is coming at a difficult phase which you have to get through. I then shifted my focus to my game and forgot what happened. Whether I was going to be suspended for six months or coming back in the next game. I had no idea, it was just rumours."
The 26-year-old feels that a lot of people perceive him wrongly and it changes once they meet him.
"Lots of people take me in a very wrong way. Someone who does not know me, they think I am arrogant, I am not easy to talk to and cocky and all. I have got so many people who came to me and said, 'we thought you were like this but you're completely opposite'."
"That's why the relationship that I have with all my teammates or anyone who knows me closely is fantastic. They are genuinely like my brothers."
"I still remember when I came back, everyone was looking after me, making sure I was mentally alright, physically alright which was quite a sweet thing. The comeback was fine," said Pandya, who has played 11 Tests, 54 ODIs and 40 T20Is for India.
Hardik is out of competitive cricket since September 2019. He underwent a surgery to treat his lower back problem in October and thus missed the home series against Bangladesh, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Talking about his surgery and the current condition, the all-rounder said: "I had a word with Virat. He just dropped a message, asking me how I am (after the surgery). I replied 'I am good but I just wish that no one in the world goes through a back surgery'. I was obviously on medication and it was emotionally challenging as well. From lifting 100 kg I went to not being able to lift my leg."
Pandya is pleased that he has recovered "faster than expected".
"The recovery has been fantastic, touchwood. Your body was used to giving 100 percent but once your body touches the knife, you have to start giving 200 percent. That's what we focussed on. You know, it's not been easy but I have been getting stronger."
