The BCCI has introduced new rules to maintain discipline and unity within the Indian cricket team during international tours. Head coach Gautam Gambhir raised concerns over cricketers bringing personal staff, including chefs and security, on the Australian tour. In response, the BCCI has implemented a set of guidelines restricting players from bringing personal staff, limiting family visits to two weeks, and ensuring all players travel with the team. These measures aim to prioritize focus on the game and eliminate distractions such as advertisements and extended family stays, ensuring better team cohesion.

The BCCI has issued strict guidelines for India’s centrally-contracted cricketers, making participation in domestic tournaments mandatory for selection. Family stays during tours are restricted to 14 days on trips exceeding 45 days, while endorsement shoots are banned during series to avoid distractions. Players must travel using team buses, attend full practice sessions, and remain with the team until tour completion. Violators may face disciplinary actions, including IPL bans and deductions in match fees. The policy aims to enhance discipline, cohesion, and focus. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are yet to confirm domestic cricket participation.

India's 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign faced internal turmoil as head coach Gautam Gambhir accused Sarfaraz Khan of leaking sensitive dressing room conversations. Gambhir made the claim during a review meeting with BCCI officials, attended by captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Reports suggest Gambhir confronted the players after their loss in the fourth Test and criticized Rishabh Pant for his shot selection. Gambhir emphasized keeping team discussions confidential, as media leaks sparked mockery from former Australian players. Sarfaraz, who didn’t feature in the series, was reportedly named as the source of the leaks.

KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are reportedly out of contention for India's Champions Trophy squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to prefer Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as keepers. Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp led to his exclusion from Kerala's squad, further diminishing his chances. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan, despite his ODI achievements, faces uncertainty due to limited domestic participation. Jurel, gaining attention with strong performances, is now positioned as Pant's understudy. Samson remains a key T20 player but is unlikely to feature in the Champions Trophy squad.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's vice-captain, dismissed rumors about his fitness, stating reports of bed rest are "unreliable." Bumrah had sustained a back issue during the fifth Test against Australia, where he didn’t bowl in the second innings. While sources suggested he might miss the Champions Trophy's league stage, Bumrah clarified the misinformation on X. A final update from the BCCI is awaited as the pacer remains pivotal for India’s campaign. The Champions Trophy squad will be announced on January 19. Bumrah had a historic performance in Australia, taking 32 wickets and leading India to their only Test win in Perth.

India set a new record in women's ODI cricket, posting their highest-ever total of 435 against Ireland in Rajkot on January 15, 2025. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were the stars, each scoring a century. Mandhana's 135 off 80 balls was the fastest by an Indian in women's ODIs, while Rawal scored a stunning 154 off 129 balls. This marked India's third-highest partnership in women's ODIs with 233 runs between the openers. India became the third team to surpass 400 runs in a women's ODI, following New Zealand and Australia.

The BCCI summoned Test captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to address India's disappointing Test performance. In the meeting, IPL salaries were cited as a possible factor, with some players allegedly prioritizing T20 cricket over Tests. As a corrective measure, new protocols have been introduced, limiting players' family time and independent commutes during tours. Families can accompany players for 14 days on longer tours and 7 days on shorter ones. These measures aim to refocus the team's commitment to Test cricket as India navigates this challenging phase.

The BCCI will review Gautam Gambhir’s position as India’s head coach after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since Gambhir took over, India has struggled, losing six of 10 Tests and an ODI series in Sri Lanka. Reports suggest a rift between Gambhir and senior players over his efforts to end the “superstar culture.” Some players have criticized his communication style, while Gambhir has expressed concerns about player demands. The national selectors also raised issues over his involvement in team decisions. If India performs poorly in the Champions Trophy, Gambhir’s future as coach may be uncertain.

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has criticised Indian batter Shubman Gill for his poor performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gilchrist remarked that Gill should prioritise improving his batting instead of focusing on his hairstyle. The young opener scored just 93 runs in five innings, averaging a disappointing 18.60. Gilchrist quipped, “No cricketer looks good with their hair after taking off the helmet unless they score centuries.” Gilchrist gave Gill a performance rating of 4 out of 10, urging him to focus on consistency and big scores. He also praised Ravindra Jadeja, calling him a "brilliant cricketer."

England pacer Saqib Mahmood, who is yet to make his T20I debut, has not received his visa for the upcoming tour of India. The England Cricket Board (ECB) was forced to cancel his flight as his passport remains with the Indian Embassy. Mahmood was scheduled to join a pace bowling camp in the UAE with fellow bowlers but could not travel due to the visa delay. With the first T20I against India set for January 22, it is unclear if Mahmood will be able to join the team in time.