Bhuvneshwar, Pujara and Dhawan comprise India's fine committee

As Anil Kumble settles into life as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, the players too are getting a glimpse of his methods. The former Test captain has already rekindled the once-used 'Buddy' system that will see players of the squad pair up and help each other in sharpening their weaker suits.


In a bid to lay down the ground rules and instill discipline within the squad, Kumble has also told his players that they would have to pay up a fine of 50 USD if they come late to the team bus. As if to stress on the seriousness of the rule, a three-member 'fine committee' - comprising Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan - has also been set up.
"We have a Fine Committee now," Bhuvneshwar, the chairman of the committee, said on Saturday (July 16). "It's mostly related to punctuality. Some rules are there - if you are not on time for something, then you have to give a fine. I'm the chairman, Cheteshwar Pujara will collect the fines, and Shikhar (Dhawan) will take the appeals of those who feel they've been fined wrongly.
The players are currently involved in a three-day warm-up game against West Indies Cricket Board President's XI at the Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts. Bhuvneshwar confirmed that there haven't been any slackers yet.
"We've had a trial run so far, but the committee's work actually started yesterday. No one has been fined yet. It's difficult to say who will give the most fines, it depends on punctuality and a lot of other things. Whatever we collect, it will go to charity. We have not yet decided which charity and so on, but that will be decided soon."
India will soon travel to Antigua for the first of the four-match Test series, starting on July 21.