Harbhajan Singh Criticizes BCCI’s Decision Involving Gautam Gambhir: “That’s Not His Responsibility”
BCCI’s 10-Point Policy: Old Wine in a New Bottle?
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recently commented on the BCCI’s 10-point policy for centrally-contracted players, stating that most of the guidelines have been in place since his playing days. He questioned when and by whom these rules were altered, suggesting that the current focus on off-field regulations diverts attention from the team’s on-field performance.
Critique of the Guidelines
Harbhajan expressed his skepticism towards the new guidelines, pointing out that many of the measures, such as mandatory domestic cricket participation and restrictions on family visits, were already in place during his tenure. He emphasized the need to prioritize discussions on improving the team’s cricketing performance rather than solely focusing on off-field regulations.
Nostalgia and Course Corrections
Reflecting on his playing days, Harbhajan recalled the discipline and commitment displayed by senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble. He highlighted the importance of revisiting certain points in the policy that may have been flouted in the past, suggesting that the focus should be on addressing players’ form and performance issues.
Support for Team Chef
While endorsing the exclusion of personal entourages, Harbhajan advocated for the inclusion of a couple of team chefs to cater to players’ dietary requirements. Drawing parallels with international soccer teams, he suggested that having dedicated team chefs could enhance the overall well-being and performance of the players during tours.
Role of Head Coach
Harbhajan expressed reservations about the requirement for players to seek prior approval from head coach Gautam Gambhir on certain matters. He believed that administrative responsibilities should be handled by competent officials within the BCCI, allowing the head coach to focus on on-field strategies and technical aspects of the game.
Conclusion
Harbhajan Singh’s insights shed light on the nuances of the BCCI’s 10-point policy and its implications for Indian cricket. While acknowledging the importance of discipline and unity within the team, he emphasized the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes performance improvement alongside off-field regulations.