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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented ten new guidelines for the Indian cricket team, ostensibly aimed at curbing the 'star culture' that has reportedly permeated the team's environment. These guidelines, allegedly formulated after consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, significantly impact the three most prominent figures in Indian cricket: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. While the guidelines themselves don't explicitly name any player, their implications for these senior members are clear and far-reaching. The first point immediately addresses the lack of domestic cricket participation amongst the senior players. Rohit Sharma last played domestic cricket in 2016, Jasprit Bumrah in 2018, and Virat Kohli's last domestic appearance was in 2012 for Delhi. The new rule mandating domestic cricket participation to be eligible for national selection and central contracts is a direct challenge to this long-standing absence. Exceptions are possible only under exceptional circumstances, requiring approval from the Chairman of the Selection Committee, signaling a move towards greater accountability and transparency within the team.
The second significant change concerns the players’ travel arrangements. The BCCI's directive mandates that all players travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements, often accompanied by families, are discouraged to enhance team cohesion and discipline. This directly affects Virat Kohli, who has reportedly traveled separately from the team since the Covid-19 pandemic, even during the recent Australia series. Bumrah also joined him in separate travel arrangements. The implementation of this guideline aims to foster a stronger team spirit and arguably, a more unified approach to the game. The enforced team travel will inevitably impact the personal schedules and family time of the players, potentially leading to adjustments in their personal lives.
Point number four focuses on the restriction of personal staff accompanying the players on tours and series. The BCCI's decision to limit personal staff such as managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel, unless specifically approved, is another significant shift. While the details of the personal entourages of Sharma, Kohli, and Bumrah remain undisclosed, the new guideline strongly suggests a move towards reducing individualistic support structures and promoting a more egalitarian team environment. This seemingly minor rule change has the potential to significantly disrupt the routine and comfort levels of these senior players, requiring considerable adaptation on their part.
A crucial aspect addressed in the guidelines concerns player endorsements and personal commitments. The BCCI explicitly prohibits players from engaging in personal shoots or endorsements during an ongoing series or tour. This restriction directly impacts the significant commercial interests of Sharma, Kohli, and Bumrah, all of whom have substantial endorsement deals. Balancing their professional responsibilities with the demands of their lucrative endorsements will be a challenge for these cricketers, potentially requiring them to carefully restructure their schedules and prioritize their commitments.
The guidelines also introduce changes to the rules surrounding players' families traveling abroad during tours. Previously, players had significant flexibility in arranging family visits overseas. The new rules limit family visits (partners and children under 18) to one visit per series (across different formats), with a maximum duration of two weeks. This directly limits the extended stays previously enjoyed by Sharma, Kohli, and Bumrah’s families, influencing their personal life-work balance and potentially creating challenges during prolonged tours. The strict timeframes for family visits are a noticeable departure from the previous practices and could pose adjustments in the personal lives of senior cricketers.
Finally, the BCCI explicitly mandates that players remain with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, regardless of whether the matches conclude early. This eliminates the practice of senior players returning home before the officially scheduled end of a tour. This will undoubtedly necessitate changes to personal plans and create a more rigidly structured schedule for the team. This change aims to eliminate the perception of privilege enjoyed by senior players and establish a more equitable system within the team, prioritizing collective responsibility over individual preferences.
In conclusion, the BCCI's ten-point guideline signifies a radical shift in the management and operational structure of the Indian cricket team. These guidelines directly challenge established practices and habits of prominent players, indicating a conscious effort to restructure the team's culture and promote a more unified and disciplined approach. The implications are profound, not just for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, but for the entire team. The long-term consequences of these new guidelines remain to be seen, but their immediate impact on the dynamics and performances of the Indian cricket team is undeniable.
Source: BCCI's 10-Point Diktat: What The New Rules Mean For Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli And Jasprit Bumrah