Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has emphasized the importance of having family members accompany players during Team India’s tours, stating that their presence helps maintain balance and normalcy, especially during tough times. His remarks come amid the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new policy limiting players’ family time on tours.
As per the new directives introduced by BCCI following India’s 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, players’ immediate families, partners, and children can only join them for 14 days after the first two weeks of tours exceeding 45 days. On shorter tours, families are allowed to stay for up to a week.
Speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kohli highlighted the emotional and mental support families provide.
“It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family after something intense happens on the outside. I feel disappointed that people who have no control over what’s going on are brought into conversations and put at the forefront as if they need to be kept away,” Kohli was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The former India captain expressed that no player wants to “sit alone and sulk” after a poor performance, advocating for a balance between professional commitments and personal life.
“I want to be able to be normal. You finish your responsibility and come back to life. There could be different situations happening in your life, and that allows you to be absolutely normal. For me, that is a day of immense pleasure. I would not miss any opportunity to spend time with my family whenever I can,” he added.
Kohli was a key part of India’s ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-getter and fifth overall with 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50. His standout performances included a match-winning 100 against Pakistan* while chasing 242 and an 84 off 98 balls against Australia in the semifinals during a tough run chase of 265.
As he gears up for IPL 2025, Kohli will once again be a vital part of RCB’s campaign, starting with the tournament opener against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens. Kohli, the highest run-getter in IPL history with 8,004 runs in 252 matches, will aim for his maiden IPL title while chasing more records.
Last season, he won the Orange Cap with 741 runs at an average of 61.75, striking at 154.69. His performance, including a century and five fifties, helped RCB qualify for the playoffs after a stunning turnaround from a poor first half.
As IPL 2025 approaches, Kohli’s focus remains on leading RCB to their first title while continuing to advocate for a balanced and supportive environment for players.
