Rahul very respectful towards women, sad to see how "Koffee" controversy turned out: Zinta

Kings XI Punjab co-owner and noted actor Preity Zinta said that her team broke even long time ago and the ultimate goal is to win a maiden IPL title

Kings XI Punjab co-owner and noted actor Preity Zinta on Friday said India batsman KL Rahul is ‘very sweet and respectful towards women’ and it was sad to see the backlash he faced after his and Hardik Pandya's sexist remarks on 'Koffee with Karan'. KXIP are doing well this season, winning three out of their four games so far. Both Rahul and Pandya’s suspension was lifted but they still face a BCCI inquiry conducted by Ombudsman DK Jain. "It is so good to see Rahul back in form. He is a very very nice guy. What happened is in the past. I just feel bad about the way the whole thing turned out but you live and learn," Zinta told PTI. "Actually, he is very sweet and respectful towards women, so I don't know how it all came out. As I said, these are teachable moments." Zinta, who has spent decades in Hindi film industry, said she does share her experiences with the young players in the KXIP squad. "Yes, we do have those conversations, we have been there and done that. These are young guys and they will live and learn with time. Unless you make a mistake or falter, you will never learn," she said. Asked to name the most "fun guy" in the KXIP dressing room, Zinta picked veteran Chris Gayle. "My all time favourite is Chris Gayle. He is unbelievable. He is a true superstar, in terms of how he comes across, in terms of how he plays, how he is with the youngsters, he is so humble, he is always on time, he is just unbelievable and he is so much fun at the same time." The actor added that her team broke even long time ago and the ultimate goal is to win a maiden IPL title. "We broke even a long time ago. But yes, when I got into the IPL, I wanted to win the title, especially coming from Punjab, where people have the largest heart, we want to win for them, we owe it to our fans. I am really keeping my fingers crossed this time."