Earlier this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforced a significant amendment to its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), limiting the time spent by players’ families during tours. While the move found some support in administrative and public circles, it hasn’t gone down well with former India batter Suresh Raina, who pulled no punches in expressing his disappointment.
Not in favour of the new guideline
The southpaw, renowned for his gritty knocks in pressure situations, likened the presence of family during tours to a vital part of a cricketer’s support system. Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s show ‘Taakat’, Raina made it clear he wasn’t on board with the BCCI’s updated policy.
“It is very important to have family on the tour. I’m against BCCI’s latest rule. Family helps players turn their form around. If Virat (Kohli) isn’t in the best of form, and he sees his daughter, he will score runs and make a statement,” Raina said.
Raina, who has played some memorable match-winning knocks for India, didn’t hesitate to draw from personal experience. He pointed to his own purple patch during the 2018 South Africa series, attributing it directly to the emotional strength he drew from his wife’s presence.
“Family needs to be together, and if not for my wife, I wouldn’t have been the Player of the match back in 2018 (against South Africa).”
Beyond on-field form, Raina delved into the often-unspoken issue of mental health in cricket. Just like navigating a tough pitch or surviving a hostile spell of bowling, handling mental pressure is a battle that many players quietly face, often alone.
“You do have mental health issues. When you have a phase where nothing is working for you and you are down. There are a lot of people in the same race for your spot, and you fear getting dropped,” he said.
A safe space is what Raina wants
In a high-stakes environment where every performance is scrutinised and competition for places is fierce, Raina believes families serve as a safe space, a dugout away from the noise, especially when players feel vulnerable.
“But how you control that is important, and that’s when you need your people. You always doubt people if they will tell the coach or the captain. Players hesitate because they fear getting dropped. But if your family is there, they will support you,” said the southpaw.
As the BCCI sticks to its revised playing conditions off the field, Raina’s candid stance adds weight to an ongoing conversation , about where the boundaries between discipline, mental well-being, and emotional support should be drawn in the gentleman’s game.