BCCI considers reviving Virat Kohli’s captaincy policies to revive 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 national team skipper. This board 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 worst ever slump in Test form. They endured a series whitewash at home against New Zealand and followed it up with a crushing defeat in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series for the first time in nearly a decade.

BCCI considers reintroduction of 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 team’s fitness standards and use it as a selection criterion. The BCCI medical team has been asked to focus on fitness for selection, not just injury prevention, due to the demanding schedule.

The yo-yo test, previously eliminated by the previous team’s management to reduce injuries, could be reinstated. An unnamed BCCI source noted that leniency towards fitness assessments led to some players taking advantage, and there is now a push to set clear fitness standards to prevent complacency.

“The board has been lenient with the players as they are mostly on the road. The focus had shifted to injury prevention alone. This has been taken lightly by some players. It is being considered that a certain fitness level criterion should be reintroduced so that complacency does not creep in,” the source mentioned.

BCCI envisages 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 requiring players to travel with the team at all times. This addresses concerns about some players traveling separately, which is seen as detrimental to team unity and discipline.

Players get consumed in their individual lives after training or a match

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 requesting 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 to click with almost the same set of players. It comes down to a lack of galvanizing strength in the ‘team. It has emerged that players get consumed in their individual lives once they are done with practice or a game,’ the BCCI source said.

“Players these days have their families around and a huge entourage. Some have even asked to stay in different hotels and a few have made their own trips within the country. These players barely see each other with the rest of the team. The board is considering restricting the length of the families’ stay to two weeks on a long tour,” the source added.

Read also: Watch: Lachlan Shaw’s ridiculous save denies Alex Ross a six in BBL, commentators stunned