Following the Indian cricket team’s defeat in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has introduced a new  guidelines aimed at promoting discipline, team cohesion, and reducing the influence of 'star culture' within the team. These rules come after consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir and are designed to ensure a more uniform and structured approach to the team’s conduct.

While the guidelines do not single out any cricketer, the senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be most impacted by these changes. Here’s an overview of the major points and how they could affect the star players:

1. Mandatory Domestic Cricket Participation: One of the main points in the new guidelines requires players to participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection and central contracts. Senior players like Rohit Sharma (last played in 2016), Jasprit Bumrah (2018), and Virat Kohli (2012) have not participated in domestic cricket for years. This rule could significantly affect their future involvement in national duties.

2. Traveling with the Team: The BCCI now mandates that all players must travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. This guideline directly impacts senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who have been known to travel separately from the team, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent series. This rule aims to foster better team cohesion and discipline.

3. Restrictions on Personal Staff: Another significant change involves limiting the presence of personal staff (managers, chefs, assistants, security) during tours. While the specifics of the senior players' entourages are not officially disclosed, this rule will likely affect how players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma travel with their teams.

4. Ban on Personal Endorsements During Tours: The new guidelines prohibit players from engaging in personal endorsements or shoots during an ongoing series. Considering the extensive brand partnerships of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, this could pose a challenge for them, as it may interfere with their lucrative endorsement commitments.

5. Family Travel Guidelines: The BCCI now allows players who are away from India for more than 45 days to have their partners and children (under 18) join them on a one-time visit during the series for up to two weeks. This could impact Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli, who have been known to travel with their families during long tours.

6. Mandatory Stay with the Team: Players must now stay with the team until the scheduled end of the match series or tour, even if the matches conclude earlier than expected. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have previously returned home early after series finishes, will be required to stay with the team throughout the duration of the tour.

These new rules are a direct attempt to curtail the 'star culture' in the team and promote a more cohesive and disciplined environment. It will be interesting to see how the senior players adapt to these changes and how it impacts their professional commitments, especially in terms of travel, endorsements, and domestic cricket participation. The BCCI's decision marks a pivotal moment in the management of the Indian cricket team, emphasizing team unity and transparency over individual stardom.