Since the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, significant changes have taken place in Indian cricket. Upon Team India’s return home from an underwhelming series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a stringent 10-point diktat, restricting players from bringing personal chefs, security guards, and assistants on overseas tours unless explicitly approved.
As the Indian team landed in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy campaign, star batter Virat Kohli found a unique way to meet his dietary preferences despite the restrictions. According to a report by The Times of India, Kohli managed to get a food packet delivered to him shortly after arriving at the training venue.
While personal chefs are no longer permitted, Kohli reportedly spoke to a local team manager, who understood his needs in detail and arranged a meal from a well-known food joint.
“It had a few boxes of Kohli’s post-session meal. While the others packed their kit bags, Kohli was refueling and even saved a box for the road,” the report mentioned.
BCCI’s Strict Regulations Impact Players and Staff
The BCCI’s directive has affected not only the players but also the support staff. Even India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who usually travels with a personal assistant, was asked to stay in a different hotel rather than being with the team.
Additionally, the new set of rules has pushed senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja back into domestic cricket, compelling them to participate in the Ranji Trophy. However, their outings in the tournament were not particularly fruitful.
Team India’s Training and Upcoming Fixtures
As the Indian team began their Champions Trophy preparations in Dubai, Virat Kohli was the first to step into the nets. He, along with Rohit Sharma, faced the pace attack of Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer displayed aggressive strokes, prompting the support staff and others to stay alert for flying balls.
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh before facing their arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-anticipated clash on February 23. All of India’s matches in the tournament are set to take place in Dubai.
