BCCI is considering reviving Virat Kohli’s captaincy policy to resurrect Team India amid struggles
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering bringing back the old fitness test rules that were in place during Virat Kohli’s tenure as the captain of the national team. The management’s move comes as the team looks to bounce back from recent Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia.
India’s national cricket team has faced heavy criticism after suffering its biggest slump in Test form. They endured a string of setbacks at home against New Zealand and followed that up with a loss in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series for the first time in almost a decade.
The BCCI is considering reintroducing the old fitness test rules from Virat Kohli’s tenure
According to a Times of India report, the BCCI is considering reintroducing the yo-yo test to improve the fitness standards of the team and use it as a selection criterion. The BCCI medical team has been asked to focus on selection fitness and not just injury prevention due to the demanding schedule.
The yo-yo test, which was previously removed by the team’s previous management to reduce injuries, could be reintroduced. An anonymous BCCI source noted that laxity in fitness assessments has led to some players taking advantage, and there is now pressure to set clear fitness standards to avoid complacency.
“The board was lenient with the players because they are mostly on the road. The focus shifted to injury prevention only. Some players took this lightly. The need to re-introduce certain fitness level criteria is being discussed so that complacency does not creep in,” the source said.
BCCI plans changes to team protocols
The BCCI is also planning changes to team protocols, including restricting the stay of players’ families during overseas tours. Officials believe the presence of family can distract players and affect their performance.
A new rule has been introduced that requires players to travel with the team at all times. This addresses concerns about some players traveling separately, which is seen as disrupting team unity and discipline.
Players are preoccupied with their lives after training or a game
During a meeting with BCCI officials, including captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, it was suggested that there should be limits on the time players spend with their spouses or partners during long tours, and concerns about players seeking separate accommodation were also discussed .
“The board is a bit concerned that a team that has been so consistent across formats for over half a decade is suddenly struggling with almost the same set of players. It comes down to a lack of driving force in the squad. The players have turned out to be spent in their lives after they finish with practice or a match,” a BCCI source said.
“Players these days have their families nearby along with a large entourage. Some have even requested to stay in different hotels and a few have made their own arrangements for travel within the country. These players hardly see each other with the rest of the team. The board is considering limiting the length family stay for two weeks on a long tour,” the source added.
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