After India’s 3-1 Test series defeat to Australia, the BCCI introduced stricter policies, including a restriction on the duration families could stay with players during overseas tours. The move sparked mixed reactions from the players, with Virat Kohli among those who publicly voiced disappointment.
Now, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has finally addressed the issue. Speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara on the Sony Sports Network ahead of the third Test against England at Lord’s, Gambhir clarified that while he values the presence of families, the primary focus must remain on national duty.
“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. You’ve got very few people in that dressing room or on this tour who get this opportunity to make the country proud. So yes, I’m not against not having families with us,” Gambhir said.
“For me, I think that cause and that goal are more important than any other thing” – Gambhir
He further explained that while family support is valuable, players must prioritise their commitment to representing the country.
“It is important to have families, but if your focus is towards making our country proud and you have a much bigger role than any other thing, and 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 concluded.
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