BCCI cracks down on men's cricket team: Who will be most affected?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented stringent new rules for the men's cricket team in an effort to foster unity among Indian cricket players and enhance future performance. Following India's recent setbacks in Australia, a review meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir on January 11 led to this decision. By giving the players a New Year's gift that is more of a wake-up call, the Indian cricket board has chosen to take a tough stance with the players.

As the team transitions from the prosperous age under Rahul Dravid to a more trying phase in the opening months under the enthusiastic leadership of Gautam Gambhir, the Men in Blue have experienced a change in their fortunes. India suffered setbacks following their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, including a loss to Sri Lanka in the ODI series and a humiliating 0–3 loss to New Zealand in the home Test series.

India suffered yet another blow in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, losing 1-3 to Australia, despite expectations of a comeback following the loss to New Zealand. The team took this loss as a wake-up call. In retaliation, the BCCI introduced a number of stringent new regulations for the men's squad and named Sitanshu Kotak as the new batting coach. These rules forbid personal photo sessions during series or tours, restrict the ability to bring family members on tours, and require participation in domestic matches. The BCCI has made it clear that it is committed to adopting a more focused and disciplined strategy going forward.

Despite the fact that many players have been accountable, some members of the camp might find it challenging to follow the rigorous guidelines. Since certain Men in Blue team members have disregarded the rules in the past, it's critical to identify the individuals who will be most impacted by the new rules.

Which players will feel the biggest impact?

The top stars are typically expected to lead their team in a camp. But Team India paints a different picture. One of the most well-known players in Indian and international cricket, Virat Kohli, is probably going to be affected by the recently implemented new rules. In recent years, Kohli has frequently disregarded these regulations, which range from the family travel policy to making separate travel plans for tours and avoiding home games.

Other important members of the team, like as captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who have previously gone on tours with their families, would also be impacted by the new rules. Both Sharma and Jadeja, as well as pace leader Jasprit Bumrah and top batsman KL Rahul, will have to modify their regimens in light of the new regulations.

The new rules will also have an impact on players like all-rounder Hardik Pandya and T20 specialist Suryakumar Yadav. The more stringent rules will make it impossible for both players to have personal cooks to satisfy their nutritional requirements, a luxury they are accustomed to.

Promising batsman Shubman Gill and other younger members of the Indian side have previously been known to break the new regulations. Gill was seen taking part in a personal photo shoot prior to the Perth Test match against Australia, which is now prohibited by the revised rules.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued new rules that all Team India players must abide by. The board may decide to take disciplinary action if these guidelines are broken.

Also read| Manu Bhaker’s oops moment seconds before receiving Khel Ratna award from President, watch viral video