Why Virat Kohli Was Never on Koffee With Karan: Karan Johar Explains

Virat Kohli and Karan Johar – why Virat never appeared on Koffee With Karan

Mumbai – Koffee With Karan has always been the go-to talk show for Bollywood gossip, candid confessions, and juicy celebrity stories. But one question fans often ask is: why has cricket superstar Virat Kohli never appeared on the show, even though his wife, Anushka Sharma, has? Recently, host and filmmaker Karan Johar opened up about the reason, tracing it back to a 2019 episode that left a lasting impression on him.

In a candid conversation on a podcast, Karan admitted, “I have never asked Virat. And now, I am not asking any cricketers after what happened with Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.”

The 2019 Episode That Changed Things

Back in January 2019, cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul appeared on Koffee With Karan for a segment intended to be fun and light-hearted. However, it sparked controversy.

Pandya’s comments about his personal life, women, nightlife, and race drew significant criticism.
The backlash was so severe that the episode was removed from streaming platforms.
Both cricketers faced disciplinary action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This episode became a turning point, shaping Karan’s approach to inviting sports personalities to his show.

Karan’s Reflection: Taking Responsibility

Karan Johar openly shared that he felt a responsibility toward the players and the show’s reputation. He said:

“There are many who I just felt wouldn’t come, so I never asked them in the first place. I have not asked any cricketers since.”

Despite Virat Kohli being a prominent public figure and having a natural crossover appeal, the invitation never came by design. Karan emphasized that while Bollywood stars have always been welcome, cricketers have been intentionally excluded after 2019.

Why This Matters

This decision highlights a subtle but important shift in celebrity talk shows. When an episode goes wrong:

The host, production team, and guests all face consequences.
Public backlash can impact careers and reputations.

For Karan Johar, the Hardik-Pandya/KL Rahul episode was a lesson in caution:

“I was scared and worried that no damage should happen to their careers.”

By excluding cricketers, he is reducing risk while ensuring the show continues to cater primarily to Bollywood personalities.

The Kohli Factor

Virat Kohli’s absence has sparked curiosity among fans due to:

His celebrity status
Marriage to Anushka Sharma
Dynamic public persona

While Kohli seems like a perfect fit for the couch, Karan’s explanation makes it clear that the decision is about risk management, not personal differences. Kohli was never formally invited, meaning the absence isn’t due to rejection or scheduling conflicts.

What This Means for the Show

Koffee With Karan continues to thrive in its later seasons, hosting top actors, directors, musicians, and media personalities. However:

Sports stars are unlikely to appear in future seasons.
The show remains a hub for Bollywood gossip, candid confessions, and rapid-fire questions.
Public figures in sports face higher risks if they join, including scrutiny, editing for viral content, and social media backlash.

In short, one controversial episode has reshaped the guest list strategy.

Final Thoughts

On celebrity talk shows, appearances are about more than visibility—they represent:

Permission to enter a curated space
Format alignment
Managing mutual risk

Virat Kohli’s absence highlights the boundary between Bollywood and sports, and between public image and entertainment content. In Karan Johar’s own words: