Gautam Gambhir took charge as the head coach of the Indian cricket team in 2024. Since then, he has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) newly introduced “family time” policy, which restricts how long players’ family members can stay with them during overseas tours.
Gautam Gambhir : This rule came into effect after India’s disappointing 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. In response, the BCCI introduced a new set of guidelines, including this regulation aimed at maintaining player focus.
As per the new policy, players’ family members can stay with them for only 14 days on overseas tours that last 45 days or more. For shorter tours, the limit is reduced to just seven days.
Former Test captain Virat Kohli openly expressed his displeasure with the new rule. He admitted he didn’t appreciate being alone in his room without his family, saying it affects his mood and overall comfort
“Families Are Important, But…” – Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir acknowledged that having families around can be valuable, but made it clear that players must stay fully focused on their mission of representing the country with pride.
“Families are important, but you have to remember one thing – you’re here for a reason. This is not a holiday. You’re on a serious mission,” said Gambhir.
“Only a select few get the chance to wear that jersey and make the country proud. I’m not against players having their families with them, but your main focus must be the game. If your top priority is fulfilling your responsibility to the nation, and you’re truly committed to that goal, then everything else falls into place. For me, that goal is more important than anything else.”
“I Never Switch Off” – Gautam Gambhir When Pujara asked him if he ever takes a mental break after matches, Gambhir admitted he struggles to disconnect from the game.
“That’s a tough one. Honestly, Gautam Gambhir still don’t know how to switch off – because I never do,” Gambhir confessed.
“It might sound strange, but the moment we won the last Test, my first thought was about our team combination for the next one at Lord’s. I went back to my room thinking about how we could win the next match. Even after a win, I’m already planning ahead. I haven’t figured out how to turn off that part of my brain.”