Hardik Pandya hasn't left home since being suspended by the BCCI | Photo Credit: AP

Having faced backlash for the comments made on Koffee with Karan chat show, Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were forced out of the ongoing Australia ODI series as well as the forthcoming New Zealand tour. While a return in the Indian Premier League and the ICC World Cup for the duo also remains a big talking point, it isn't yet known what sort of a turn their careers will take. The developments in the matter have been heartwrenching for the cricketers and now Hardik's father Himanshu has revealed that his son has even refused to leave the house or attend phone calls, after being given provisional suspension by the BCCI.

"He watched the match (India vs Australia 2nd ODI). Ever since he has returned from Australia, he has not stepped out of the house. He is also not taking any calls... he is just taking rest," Hardik's father was quoted as saying by Mid Day.

Born in Surat, Hardik, like most of the Gujaratis, celebrates Makar Sankranti joyously by flying kites. But that hasn't been the case with the 25-year-old this time around despite the fact that he is home during the festive period for the first time after a long time.

"It's a festival... a public holiday in Gujarat, but Hardik did not fly any kites. He loves flying kites but his busy cricketing schedule never allowed him to be at home during this festival over the last few years. This time, he had a chance to fly kites, but because of the adverse situation, there was no mood to celebrate the festival”, Sr. Pandya added.

Both Hardik and Rahul received flak from social media as well as the members of the board for their comments at the chat show. While apologies in all forms have come from the cricketers, the BCCI's final take on the severity of the punishment isn't known yet.

"He is very disappointed with the suspension and repents the views he expressed on the TV show. He is committed not to repeat the same mistake," Himanshu said of his son's take on the subject. "We have decided not to talk to him on this subject. Even his elder brother Krunal has not discussed anything about the episode with him. We are waiting for the BCCI's decision,” he concluded.

It has been understood that the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri recently spoke to Hardik and Rahul and is supposed to submit a report on the matter to the CoA.