Gautam Gambhir Supports BCCI’s Family Policy: ‘You’re Not on a Holiday, You’re Here to Make the Country Proud’
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come out in support of the BCCI’s revised family policy for cricketers, emphasizing that national duty must take precedence over personal comfort while on tour. The policy, introduced after India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, limits the time players’ families can accompany them during overseas tours. According to the new rules, players can have family with them for: While some players, including Virat Kohli, have voiced dissatisfaction with the restrictions, Gambhir believes the focus must remain solely on cricket. “Families are important, but you’ve got to understand one thing — you are here for a purpose. It’s not a holiday,” Gambhir told Cheteshwar Pujara in a special interview. “You’ve got very few people in that dressing room or on this tour who get the opportunity to make the country proud.” He added that he’s not opposed to families traveling, but emphasized that the primary commitment should be to the nation and the team’s goal. “If your focus is on making the country proud, and you’re committed to that goal, then everything else falls into place. For me, that goal is more important than any other thing,” Gambhir stated. Gambhir on Switching Off: “I Never Switch Off” When asked by Pujara how he relaxes after matches, Gambhir admitted that switching off mentally remains a challenge. “I still haven’t figured out how to switch off. The moment we won the last Test at Edgbaston, my mind immediately jumped to thinking about the combination for the next match at Lord’s,” he said. “Even when I went back to my room, I kept thinking about what the best playing XI would be to win the next Test.” The Indian coach’s unwavering focus reflects the new culture of accountability and preparation he’s trying to instil in the team — one where results are important, but sustained success requires relentless planning and commitment. As the Indian team prepares for the rest of the season under Gambhir’s guidance, the balance between personal well-being and professional responsibility continues to be a topic of intense discussion — both on and off the field.
