Kapil Dev Advocates for a Harmonious Approach to Family Travel During Cricket Tours
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Synopsis
On March 18, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev addressed the debate surrounding family travel on long cricket tours, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes team focus while acknowledging the importance of family support.
Key Takeaways
- Kapil Dev stresses the need for family on tours without compromising team focus.
- BCCI limits family stays to 14 days for long tours.
- Star player Virat Kohli highlights the grounding effect of family presence.
- Balancing personal time with professional responsibilities is crucial.
- Family support is essential for mental well-being during intense competitions.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev has expressed his views on the current discussion regarding the travel of players' families during lengthy cricket tours. He emphasized that while the presence of family is significant, it should not detract from the team's overall concentration.
The discussion around family travel gained momentum following India's 1-3 Test series loss to Australia, which led the BCCI to implement a policy that restricts family visits on tours longer than 45 days. Under the new guideline, families can accompany players for a maximum of 14 days during series or tournaments exceeding 45 days, while for shorter tours, this duration is limited to just seven days.
"I don't know... that's a decision for the cricket board; my opinion is yes, you need family, but you also need the team together all the time. In our era, we used to remind ourselves, not dictated by the cricket board, that the first half should be dedicated to cricket; in the latter half, families could come and enjoy as well. It should be a harmonious blend," Kapil stated to reporters during the PGTI press conference on Tuesday.
Previously, at the RCB Innovation Lab Summit in Bengaluru, star batsman Virat Kohli highlighted the importance of family support during extensive tours, illustrating how their presence helps in coping with the intense days on the field.
The contribution of family is hard to articulate to outsiders… how rejuvenating it is to return to your family after enduring something intense outside. I believe people often overlook the value it brings," Kohli remarked.
He further noted that spending quality time with family allows him to disconnect from the pressures of the game and mentally reset, rather than isolating himself after difficult matches.
"I prefer not to retreat to my room and sulk alone. I want to maintain a sense of normalcy. This way, you can view your game as a responsibility," he added.
