New Delhi, Match 17, 2025– Star batter Virat Kohli has backed the presence of players’ families during cricket tours, saying it helps players handle intense on-field pressure better. Kohli expressed his preference for family support over being alone in a hotel room after tough matches.
Following India’s 1-3 Test series loss to Australia, the BCCI issued a directive limiting family time on tours exceeding 45 days to 14 days. For shorter tours, players’ wives, children, or girlfriends could stay with them for a maximum of one week. During the Champions Trophy in Dubai, Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami had their families with them, but the expenses were covered by the players, not the BCCI.
Kohli explained how having family around brings emotional stability. “Coming back to your family after an intense game is grounding. People don’t realize the value it brings,” he said. Kohli stressed that personal support helps players recover from setbacks more quickly.
“I don’t want to sit alone and sulk in my room. I want to return to normalcy with my family after fulfilling my cricketing responsibilities,” he added.
The 36-year-old was critical of the interference from outsiders on this issue. “It’s disappointing that people who have no control over the situation are involved in these conversations,” he said. Kohli asserted that most players would prefer having their families around during tours.
