“Gambhir Getting Out of Hand” – Ravi Shastri Breaks Silence on BCCI’s Controversial Family Travel Restrictions
Ravi Shastri comments on BCCI’s family travel rule, supports Shubman Gill as India’s next decade captain ahead of Australia ODI series.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has finally shared his thoughts on the BCCI’s new rule restricting family and personal staff travel during tours.
The policy, introduced under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure, came after India’s heavy Test losses at home to New Zealand and away in Australia. The idea is to keep players focused and avoid distractions.
Speaking on the Grade Cricketer podcast ahead of India’s white-ball series against Australia, Shastri said having too many people around can affect concentration.
“When there are too many people around, you tend to get distracted,” he admitted. He added that Gambhir likely felt the situation needed stricter limits.
“He must have seen it was getting out of hand. So he just put a limit on what can be done and what cannot be done,” Shastri explained.
The decision has sparked debate. Supporters say it helps players give their best on the field. Critics call it old-fashioned thinking that unfairly pressures players and separates families from important moments.
Shastri noted that the team environment now requires a strong and calm leader to manage such rules effectively.
The former coach also praised Shubman Gill, who will lead India in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Shastri said Gill has the stability and calmness needed to guide the team.
“The good thing for him is that he has got a captain now who is stable, composed, and calm. Gill is the man for the next decade for India,” he said.
Gill takes charge of his first series as full-time ODI captain this Sunday in Perth when India will face Australia. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play under him.
