BCCI Implements Stricter Protocols For Team India Tours Following Disappointing Test Season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to enforce stricter protocols during Team India’s international tours, according to a report from ESPNcricinfo.

Key Changes Introduced by BCCI

1. Family Stay Regulations:
   • During a 45-day tour, family members of players will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 14 days.
   • For shorter tours abroad, the immediate family can accompany players for up to one week.
2. Restricted Independent Travel:
   • Players will be barred from using independent transport during practice sessions and matches.

These measures aim to ensure a more focused and disciplined approach to international assignments.

Meeting with Team India Leadership

The changes were communicated to:

• Rohit Sharma (Team India captain)
• Gautam Gambhir (Head coach)
• Ajit Agarkar (Chief selector)

The meeting took place in Mumbai last Saturday, following Team India’s disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Disappointing Test Season for India

1. Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25:
   • India lost the series 3-1 to Australia, missing out on a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
   • Key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced criticism for their poor form.
2. Performance of Key Players:
   • Rohit Sharma:
     • 31 runs in 3 matches (5 innings) at an average of 6.20 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
     • 164 runs in 8 matches (15 innings) at an average of 10.93 in the 2024-25 Test season.
   • Virat Kohli:
     • 190 runs in 5 matches (9 innings) at an average of 23.75, including a single century during the Australia series.
     • 382 runs in 10 matches (19 innings) at an average of 22.87 for the season, with one century and one fifty.

Australia’s pacer Scott Boland exposed Kohli’s weakness outside the off-stump, dismissing him four times during the series.

Looking Ahead

The BCCI’s new protocols highlight its focus on performance and discipline as India gears up for a packed international calendar. With these changes, Team India will aim to bounce back and rebuild its dominance in the Test format.