Ravi Shastri backs Gautam Gambhir’s crackdown on discipline but issues stern warning ahead of Perth ODI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir introduced a set of strict new rules for the India National Cricket Team after the team’s 1–3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, and those rules stunned the entire cricket world.

The new guidelines covered everything, including how long players’ family members can stay with them on tour, restrictions on personal staff, and a focus on mandatory domestic cricket participation. The decision came as a direct response to growing concerns about discipline, focus, and commitment within the team after the disappointing Test series loss to Australia.

Ravi Shastri defends Gautam Gambhir’s tough stand, recalls his own no-nonsense coaching days

However, some Indian players reportedly weren’t pleased with the new restrictions, but the BCCI made it clear that these steps were essential for Indian cricket’s long-term progress. Gautam Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense attitude, insisted that the team must travel, train, and function as a united group, putting the collective goal above personal preferences.

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Now, ahead of the white-ball series in Australia, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his views on the matter. Shastri has pointed out that during his coaching stint, such issues never arose, as the environment was more streamlined.

The former World Cup winner hinted that Gautam Gambhir may have observed a growing imbalance within the camp, forcing him to bring in strong rules to restore order within the side.

You don't have to go to room service all the time: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri said on The Grade Cricketer, "I don't remember anyone coming in with a chef in my time because that chef would have been very busy with me. I wouldn't have minded one or two, because then at least the cuisine could have been different with a glass of red.”

The well-known broadcaster further said, “You don't have to go to room service all the time. After a while, on tours, you want to minimize things. When there are too many people around, you tend to get distracted. He (Gautam Gambhir) must have seen it's getting out of hand. So, he just put a limit on what can be done and what cannot be done.”

The former Indian head coach praised the calm and composed Shubman Gill, who has now been handed the responsibility of leading the team in the ODI and Test cricket. Shastri added, “The good thing for him (Gambhir) is that he has got a captain now who is stable, composed, and calm. Gill is the man for the next decade for India.”

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Gautam Gambhir faces a big challenge as Ravi Shastri highlights the urgent need for new pacers

However, Shastri emphasized that one of Gautam Gambhir’s biggest challenges now will be maintaining India’s fast-bowling depth. With Mohammed Shami nearing retirement and Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being carefully managed, the focus is on grooming at least three new pacers to ensure India’s attack remains sharp across the formats.

Shastri signed off by saying, “What Gambhir will be looking out for is a nice bench of fast bowlers. With Shami retiring and Bumrah's workload management, you need another three to be groomed quickly.”

Notably, Shastri has been enjoying life in the commentary box. His booming voice and energetic tone have become iconic across the cricket world, and now he is set for another memorable moment, having been part of the commentary panel for the white-ball series between India and Australia.