Pandya’s appearance along with KL Rahul in the TV talk show in early 2019 led to a provisional suspension by the BCCI after he aired views that were considered sexist and racist. The duo missed five matches in the absence of an ombudsman, and were then each fined INR 20 lakh when the inquiry eventually took place.

More than that, however, it invited widespread backlash in India, and questions were asked of the culture in the Indian team. Pandya went on to play the IPL and the World Cup 2019, but then sustained a back injury and endured an extended spell on the sidelines.

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He was set to make his return after recovering from injury during the series against South Africa in March, but the Covid-19-enforced break means he hasn’t played international cricket now since September 2019.

“I don’t drink coffee,” he told Karthik during an Instagram live. “I drink green tea instead. I drank coffee only once, and [that] proved to be too expensive for me. I can bet that Starbucks would not have [had] such an expensive coffee. Since then, I stay away from coffee.”

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Yeah, that’s Hardik Pandya alright …pic.twitter.com/Thxk5MtxJO

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 11, 2020

Pandya and Karthik went on to speak about the prospect of IPL being staged behind closed doors, with the former saying it was the “smarter” option at the moment. “It will be different,” said Pandya. “We are used to playing with the crowd, as the feel of competition comes with the crowd.

“I’ve played in the Ranji Trophy without crowds, and it feels different. To be honest, if that [IPL behind closed doors] happens, then it will be a smarter option. At least people will be entertained at home.”