Gautam Gambhir Discusses BCCI's Family Policy Ahead of Lord's Test
Gautam Gambhir Addresses Family Policy for Team India
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, has shared insights regarding the family policy established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the team prepares for Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord's on July 10.
Following a disappointing performance against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India lost the series 1-3, the BCCI introduced stricter regulations aimed at enhancing discipline and focus within the team. This included restrictions on family members accompanying players during overseas tours.
Earlier this year, the board unveiled a 10-point policy stating that players' families could join them for a maximum of two weeks if the series or tournament lasts 45 days or longer. This policy faced criticism from some players, notably star batsman Virat Kohli, who openly expressed his discontent, emphasizing the importance of family support after long days on the field.
Understanding the Purpose of the Tour
‘You are here for a purpose’
In a recent interview on Sony Sports Network, Gambhir acknowledged the role of family during overseas tours but reminded players that their primary focus should be on representing the country. He stated, “Families are important, but you've got to understand one thing. You are here for a purpose. It's not a holiday. You're here for a huge purpose.”
He further added, “You've got very few people in that dressing room or on this tour that get this opportunity to make the country proud. So yes, I'm not against not having families with us.”
Huddle ✅ It's nearly time for Day 2 at Lord's ☀️ Updates ▶️ #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 11, 2025
Strict Adherence to BCCI Policies
In February, Team India departed for Dubai for the Champions Trophy without their families, strictly following the BCCI's new guidelines. Reports indicate that a senior player requested to bring his family along, but the request was denied.
Despite this, several family members, including Anushka Sharma and Rivaba Jadeja, were present during the semifinal and final matches of the Champions Trophy 2025, where India triumphed over Australia and secured their second title by defeating New Zealand.
Commitment to Team Goals
Focus on a bigger role than any other thing, says Gambhir
Gambhir reiterated that while having family support is valuable, the commitment to the team's success must take precedence. He remarked, “It is important to have families, but if your focus is towards making our country proud, you have a much bigger role than any other thing.”
He emphasized that dedication to the team's goals should be the priority, stating, “You're committed to that goal, you're committed to that cause, I think everything else is fine. But for me, I think that cause and that goal are more important than any other thing.”
Gambhir's Challenge in Switching Off
‘Haven't understood how do I switch off’
When asked by Cheteshwar Pujara about how he disconnects from the game after intense matches, Gambhir admitted he struggles to switch off due to his responsibilities as head coach. He shared that even after India's historic win at Edgbaston, his thoughts immediately turned to the next match's strategy.
“I still haven't understood how do I switch off because I never switch off, and sometimes it's very funny and it's very weird. Honestly, when we won the last test match, the moment we won, the first thing that came in my mind was what is going to be the combination for the next Test,” Gambhir explained.
He concluded, “And when I went back to my room, I was thinking, how does that work? We've just won a test match. The guys have worked hard to make a comeback after the first one. I already started thinking about what's going to be the combination, and how can we win the next one? But I still haven't figured out honestly to switch off.”