Virat Kohli's thoughts on the BCCI's new family restrictions rule have found a strong ally in cricket legend Kapil Dev. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently implemented a policy limiting when players' families can join them on long tours.
Under the rule, families are only permitted to join players after the first two weeks of a tour, provided the tour lasts for over 45 days.
Kohli expressed his views on this during the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. He emphasized that players prefer having their families with them during long tours, particularly when they're going through tough patches.
Kohli explained that being surrounded by family helps players feel more grounded and take on their responsibilities with a clearer mindset. "If you ask any player, do you want your family around? You'll be like, yes," Kohli stated, adding that family presence helps players stay normal during high-pressure periods.
Kapil Dev, speaking at the Grant Thornton Invitational Golf Tournament, echoed Kohli's sentiment. He acknowledged that players need both their team and family for emotional support, recalling how, in his era, teams would focus on cricket during the first half of a tour, with families joining later.
Kapil emphasized that balance is key and that it's important for both family and cricket to blend harmoniously during tours.
Kohli now prepares for the IPL 2025 season as he gears up for his 18th year in the tournament.
