Amid ongoing changes reportedly being implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), renowned commentator and presenter Harsha Bhogle has voiced his opinion on one particular rule the Indian cricket board should consider enforcing.
The Indian cricket team has been struggling to find its best form, triggering speculation about significant overhauls. These changes come on the heels of a disappointing performance in Test cricket, including a historic home whitewash against New Zealand and a crushing series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The losses have effectively ended India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship Final for the 2023-25 cycle.
Taking to social media, Bhogle suggested that one impactful move the BCCI could make is banning players from hiring PR agencies.
“Reading about the changes the BCCI is apparently considering for the Indian team. I don’t know how much to believe, but if I had to nominate one rule to be strictly applied, it would be to ban team members from having PR agencies,” Bhogle wrote on his official X account.
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His comment comes amid reports of unrest within the Indian dressing room, with frequent leaks pointing to rifts between players and coaching staff. Such incidents were far less common during periods of dominance across all formats, raising concerns about the team’s internal dynamics and future prospects.
In response to India’s poor run, the BCCI has mandated that key players participate in upcoming Ranji Trophy games for their respective state teams to regain form and focus. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will have to deliberate carefully as they prepare for crucial matches, including T20Is and ODIs against England on home soil, before finalizing the squad for the Champions Trophy in the UAE.
Bhogle’s call for banning PR agencies highlights the growing influence of external narratives on team cohesion and performance, underscoring the need for tighter regulations to foster unity within the squad.