Rohit Sharma.
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: Rohit Sharma, perhaps inadvertently, shed light on Indian players’ concerns regarding certain aspects of the 10-point disciplinary guidelines introduced by the BCCI following the team’s underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
These guidelines, reportedly prepared at the suggestion of head coach Gautam Gambhir, are expected to be discussed by Rohit with Board secretary Devajit Saikia.
Before the press conference to announce the Indian team for the Champions Trophy, while seated next to chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Rohit was overheard telling the former all-rounder: “Ab mere ko baithna padega secretary ke saath. Family, vamily ka discuss karne ke liye, sab mere ko bol rahe hai yaar” (I have to sit down with the secretary to discuss family (travel guidelines). Everyone (players) is asking me.
Although the BCCI has not officially released the guidelines, media reports have detailed the so-called 10-point diktat. A contentious issue appears to be the 14-day cap on family members accompanying players on long tours, a rule that reportedly requires Gambhir’s approval for relaxations.
When questioned about the guidelines during the press conference, Rohit responded sharply: “Who told you about these rules? Has it come from the official handle of the BCCI? Let it come officially.”
Despite Rohit’s remarks, Agarkar acknowledged the existence of a newly drafted standard operating procedure (SOP).
Reflecting on the situation, Agarkar admitted there were challenges but sought to justify the guidelines.
“We will probably talk about it endlessly if we keep going on,” he said. “I suppose every team has some rules in place. We have spoken about various things you see over the last few months where you can improve as a team, where you can get a bit closer as a team.
“It is not a school. It’s not a punishment. It’s just (that) you have some rules in place and when you are playing for the national team you just follow those rules. Again, these are mature individuals. They are superstars in their own rights in international sport.”
Meanwhile, some former players have claimed these guidelines have existed for years, questioning who had relaxed them and when.