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Following India’s disappointing 2024–25 tour of Australia, where the team struggled with discipline and cohesion, the BCCI introduced a revised set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The guidelines ensure the improvement of discipline in the team’s players, discussing the strategy, and training together to increase codependency.
The BCCI’s new rule says that all players must travel together on the official team bus for matches, training sessions, and other team commitments. This measure was designed to promote team cohesion, minimize distractions, and ensure players’ safety and punctuality. The rule explicitly prohibited individual travel to and from the ground, a directive that came into effect earlier in 2025 after the Australia tour.
The SOPs were part of a broader 10-point code of conduct introduced to instill discipline across all formats and age groups. The guidelines also included restrictions on the duration of family stays during overseas tours, reflecting the BCCI’s intent to keep players focused on their professional responsibilities. While these rules were intended to streamline team operations, they also placed a premium on collective adherence, leaving little room for individual deviations, even those driven by good intentions.
On the second day of the second Test against England, Ravindra Jadeja, a veteran all-rounder known for his versatility and commitment, arrived at Edgbaston Stadium ahead of the team bus. His decision to travel alone was motivated by a desire to get additional batting practice before resuming his innings.
However, the intentions behind Jadeja’s rule-breaking were pure, showing his dedication and the team’s spirit. His decision to travel alone was motivated by a desire to get additional batting practice before resuming his innings. India had ended Day 1 in a precarious position at 211 for 5, with Jadeja unbeaten on 41 and Shubman Gill on 114. By the end of his inning, Jadeja bagged 89 runs, which contributed to India’s towering first innings score of 587. This partnership strengthened India’s score, solidifying the foundation for a dominant position in the match. His stand with Shubman Gill worth 203 was pretty vital for the hosts. Gill, in particular, went on to break many records on his way to score 269.
Post the day’s play, Jadeja in a press conference, said, "Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new. I felt if I could see the new ball off, it would become easier for the rest of the innings. Luckily, I could bat till lunch, and then Washington [Sundar] also batted well with Shubman. The more you bat in England, the better it is because you never feel you are set here. At any time, a ball can swing, take your edge, or bowl you."
He added, “When you contribute with the bat for the team, it feels great. When you are playing outside India, and the team needs you more, it feels good. From 210 for 5, to putting together a big partnership to take the team forward, it is a challenge. I took it as a challenge.”
This shows the commitment and determination of Team India to get better, even if they had to break the BCCI rules to do more for their squad in the matches.
For his impressive knock at Edgbaston, Jadeja got praised by cricket aficionados and color commentators. However, the breach of protocol drew attention, raising questions about whether his actions warranted disciplinary action or not.
His early arrival was not a case of indiscipline but a proactive effort to prepare for a critical phase of the match. Given that his actions did not disrupt the team’s schedule or cause any logistical issues, the BCCI appears inclined to overlook the breach.
Clearly, Jadeja had broken the BCCI’s new rules in ways that the board can only appreciate for his team’s spirit, passion, and extra hours on practice sessions. His contribution on the field—both with the bat and later with his fielding and bowling—underscored his value to the squad. The decision to forego punishment also highlights the BCCI’s willingness to balance strict adherence to rules with the practical realities of competitive cricket, where individual initiative can sometimes make a significant difference.
As India continues its tour of England, Jadeja’s performance will likely be remembered more for his on-field heroics than for the minor off-field controversy.
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