The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict guidelines to players on discipline and unity within the team, following a poor Test season. Notably, the board responded to the issue of personal chefs by offering to send two chefs on long tours to meet the nutritional needs of the players.
India suffered a 1-3 defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in the home Test series. After the loss, the coaching staff and players were subject to scrutiny. The board held a review meeting with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
The BCCI has introduced 10-point disciplinary guidelines to promote discipline, unity and a positive team environment. The move aims to maintain professional standards, improve team operations and ensure better performance on tour.
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposes a solution to the “no personal chefs” policy.
The BCCI has decided to ban players from bringing their personal chefs on tour, a practice followed by some players, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, for customized meals.
According to the Times of India, the board has proposed sending two personal chefs to cook meals for the entire team to meet the nutritional needs of the team. Players are now debating whether this solution will meet their nutritional requirements.
“The team has been given an option where the board will arrange two chefs to cater to the players' needs. However, there will be discussions about the specific needs of the players and what more can be done.
Over the past six to seven years, more players have hired personal chefs to prepare meals for their diet plans, which are designed to maintain optimal physique. These chefs do not reside in team hotels but are provided with accommodation with kitchen facilities, and they deliver meals to the players at the hotel.
One concern the board raised during the review meeting was the presence of personal chefs in the team dining area, where only players and coaching staff are allowed.
“The issue is whether two chefs can cook personal meals for several players. Players have their favorite foods and recipes that complement each other according to the proposed diet. Some may miss home-cooked food on long tours and the chefs design the menu accordingly,” he said. Source.
“Some players have to be very careful about their diet, especially if they have overcome serious injuries that require monitoring their weight and other vital elements. These chefs are very concerned about the quality of ingredients used in cooking the meals. The BCCI is trying to find an alternative solution to ensure quality,” the source added. Excellent food for players.
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry allows an exception for personal chefs who have obtained the necessary approvals
If the player requests approval from the coach, captain and board of directors, a personal chef may be permitted to deliver meals to a hotel concierge, where the player can receive and serve them by hotel staff.
This decision will depend on how flexible BCCI is in meeting the nutritional needs of the players. Some players, especially those recovering from injuries, need to carefully monitor their diet, and personal chefs ensure that high-quality ingredients are used in their meals.
Read also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kuldeep Yadav confirms his selection
