Image: Virat Kohli was spotted with a bag of food from a popular eatery, defying the protocols / © Al Jazeera
Just before the Indian cricket team’s Champions Trophy training session in Dubai, a report revealed an intriguing incident involving Virat Kohli. Despite the BCCI’s recent 10-point rule that prohibits players from bringing personal staff such as chefs, security guards, or assistants without explicit approval, Kohli was seen discussing with the team’s local manager. Following their conversation, the manager returned carrying a paper bag filled with Kohli’s post-session meal from a popular eatery. The meal included several boxes, one of which Kohli saved for later.
The BCCI introduced these new guidelines after India’s underwhelming performance during their tour of Australia. The rules also apply to Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has been instructed to stay at a separate hotel without his personal assistant. The changes signal the board’s focus on promoting domestic cricket, with veteran players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja returning to participate in the Ranji Trophy.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 20 with a match against Bangladesh, followed by a much-anticipated encounter with Pakistan on February 23. All of India’s matches will take place in Dubai, where Kohli, Sharma, and others are gearing up for the tournament.