Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul found themselves in a sticky spot after the duo made inappropriate comments about women on a talk show hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

Following the broadcast of the episode, which was later removed from online streaming platform Hotstar, both Rahul and Pandya received flak on social media for making racist, sexist and misogynist comments on the show.

Now in a new development, Hardik Pandya’s rumoured ex-girlfriend Elli AvRam has reacted on the controversy. As per reports, the two had dated for a while before parting their ways for unknown reasons.

At an award ceremony when asked to comment on the matter, Elli AvRam said, “I just came back to India and I have been getting messages from journalists who have been asking me questions regarding this and I had no idea what they were talking about. But then I have seen certain footage and I just think it’s very sad.”

She added, “I got a little bit surprised because that’s not really the Hardik Pandya I personally once used to know! I think it’s great that people are reacting and putting their foot down on this kind of behaviour because it’s about time we all realize that this kind of mentality is not cool. Neither is it something to brag about.”

Talking about the suspension, the actress said, “On terms of what is happening from what I read, they are getting suspended right? I mean I just feel when you get an opportunity to represent your country, it’s a really big privilege to get that and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. I believe because by the end of the day the youth that is our next generation are actually they are watching and learning from their idols. So… that’s all I have to say on this.”

Earlier, Esha Gupta also lost her cool during an event in Mumbai when a reporter asked her about “her friend Hardik Pandya.”

“Who is the one who told you (Hardik Pandya) is my friend?” Esha Gupta said.

Esha even went on to say, “Firstly, women should not compare themselves with men. We are the best in every respect. I don’t want anyone to feel bad, but why don’t you give birth to a child? We suffer from periods five days every month and even then we have to dance, go to an office, and take care of the children. When you can do all this, you become superior, adding, I do not think anyone should talk bad about any woman, if you think your family is not worried about it, then be it, but it is wrong in Humanity.”

Both Rahul and Pandya are currently suspended by BCCI for their remark on women.