Reacting to the Koffee With Karan controversy involving Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said that the senior players in the side should guide the youngsters in the early phase of their careers. Gavaskar stated that stardom is difficult to manage for youngsters at the beginning of their careers.
Rahul and Pandya faced immense criticism post their appearance on popular chat show Koffee With Karan. The duo was slammed for their ‘sexist’ and ‘misogynistic’ remarks on women.
“I have to mention that it (stardom) is quite a tough thing to handle at the beginning of your career… When you have to constantly improve your game and at the same time match up the expectation of the people as a celebrity or icon,” Gavaskar told IANS talking about the Koffee With Karan controversy.
“The attention that you get outside, and then focusing on the game so that you can maintain the attention. That is why it is important that senior players should mentor and guide these youngsters who have already gone through that phase,” he added.
Both Pandya and Rahul made string comebacks to international cricket post their suspension as the duo went on to impress in their respective roles. The duo will be next seen in action in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
