'Can't condone sexist comments'
India captain Virat Kohli Friday distanced his team from controversial comments deemed sexist by all-rounder Hardik Pandya on a TV chat show that sparked social media outrage.
Pandya bragged about his prowess with women during an interview on the Indian show that also involved opening batsman KL Rahul, sparking concern about the culture within the squad.
The programme, Koffee with Karan, is hosted by Bollywood producer and director Karan Johar who encourages guests to open up on personal matters.
Both have been handed suspensions by the BCCI pending an inquiry following their controversial comments. The two players, who are a part of the ODI squad in Australia, will miss the opening game on Saturday at the SCG.
Kohli was pressed on the matter in a pre-game media conference and made clear the comments were not acceptable.
"From the Indian cricket team point of view, any inappropriate comments that are made in that scenario are something that we definitely don't support," he said.
Kohli added that the two players "have understood the magnitude of what's happened".
"Definitely it has to hit hard, they will definitely understand the things that have not gone right.”
Meanwhile, Australia promoted Alex Carey as opener while veteran Peter Siddle returns from the one-day wilderness.
"It's just an opportunity to see Alex play in a position he's done quite bit of now in Big Bash and one-day cricket," fellow opener Finch told reporters Friday.
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