'Star Indian cricketer's impressive travel preparations for Australia; BCCI pays in lakhs for carrying 27 bags, carrying 17 bats inspires others'

Team India's disappointing performance in their recent tour Down Under, resulting in the loss of the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, prompted a series of changes within Indian cricket. The defeat marked the end of a 10-year winning streak in Test series in Australia, sparking concerns about the team's future and the performance of key players. The aftermath of the tour saw leaked dressing room conversations, leading to confrontations among players. Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure faced scrutiny, and veteran player Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement. Despite the turmoil and speculation surrounding the team, Indian cricket persevered, albeit with a revised approach. The setback served as a wake-up call for the team, prompting a reevaluation of strategies and a renewed focus on performance. The challenges faced in Australia prompted a shift in protocol and a fresh perspective among players and management. As they regroup and move forward, Team India remains determined to bounce back stronger and reclaim their winning form on the international stage.

The BCCI, in an attempt to inject more discipline among players, introduced a strict 10-point diktat that players have no option but to follow. Of them, two crucial pointers were the need to play domestic cricket and a restriction on family travel. However, another very important rule that isn't talked about enough is a limit being put on the amount of luggage a player carries with him. Per the new protocol, a player isn't allowed to take more than 150 kg worth of luggage with him. This rule was apparently put together because a 'star player' took with him to Australia luggage worth 250 kgs.

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A report in Dainik Jagran claims that this player, the identity of whom is unknown, carried 27 bags with him on the tour to Australia. And here's the deal-breaker. The entire 27 bags weren't his. Some of it belonged to his family and personal assistants, too. His own luggage included 17 bats, proving the player is a specialist batter. The player then, within Australia, travelled from one city to another, leaving the BCCI no choice but to pay for it all. Although the exact amount was not revealed, it is believed to be in lakhs.

If a player's luggage exceeds 150 kgs…

Moreover, the report further claims that this practice soon began to affect other players on the tour, some of whom started following suit. The entire chapter led the BCCI to tighten its norms, where a player travelling overseas won't be allowed to carry more than 150 kg of luggage. If the maximum limit is exceeded, the player must bear the expenses out of his pocket.

Beginning the Champions Trophy, the rules will now come into full effect. The players have already been informed that families will not accompany them to Dubai as their stay there will not be more than 25 days. As per the rules, the families can be with players for up to two weeks on tours stretching to 45 days or more, which means that come India's tour of England, the likes of Anushka Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh – the spouses of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – who are pretty much in attendance during matches can come along.

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