shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > Team India manager Our culture does not allow girlfriends on tour

Team India manager: 'Our culture does not allow girlfriends on tour'

Updated on: 22 August,2014 09:00 AM IST  | 
Bipin Dani |

India's manager for the recent England Test series, Sunil Dev, says he could not object to Anushka Sharma's presence as Virat Kohli had got permission from BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel

Team India manager: 'Our culture does not allow girlfriends on tour'

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma during a promotional shoot

Defeat is never a pleasant experience and quite predictably blame games have begun after India's humiliation in the five-Test series against England.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma during a promotional shoot
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma during a promotional shoot 


In a swift move a couple of days ago, the BCCI appointed Ravi Shastri as the Team Director for the remainder of the tour and sent the fielding and bowling coaches on leave. This decision has virtually put chief coach Duncan Fletcher on notice.


Thereafter, the focus has now shifted to players and all those, who accompanied them during the series.

Anushka and Virat were spotted together during India
Anushka and Virat were spotted together during India's tour of New Zealand earlier this year

It has emerged that actress Anushka Sharma giving company to Virat Kohli did not go down too well with the manager of the Indian Test side, Sunil Dev.


On returning to his hometown Delhi yesterday, Dev told mid-day that he wasn't too happy with the actress' presence.

Kohli leaves the field after being dismissed by Chris Jordan of England during Day One of the fifth Test at  The Oval on August 15
Kohli leaves the field after being dismissed by Chris Jordan of England during Day One of the fifth Test at
The Oval on August 15 

"I would have objected to her presence, but was helpless when I realised that permission was granted by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary Sanjay Patel."

Prez not in loop?
He added: "I doubt whether the secretary even spoke to the interim BCCI president Shivlal Yadav before granting permission.

Sunil Dev
Sunil Dev 

I am sure he (Yadav) would have turned down the request. Anushka stayed with Virat till the third Test.

Foreign players do take their girlfriends on tours, but India's culture is different. Indian society doesn't allow girlfriend on tour like this."

When approached for his comment, Virat's elder brother, Vikas, refused to comment on whether Anushka's presence in England was a source of distraction to the ace batsman (who aggregated only 134 runs in the five Tests).

Virat is known to have a huge female fan following and earlier this year English women's cricketer Danielle Wyatt had jokingly expressed her desire to marry the batsman.

Then, his mother Saroj, had said: "He has just started playing cricket. He has to concentrate on his career."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK