Sourav Ganguly, the newly-elected BCCI President, has made it clear to Virat Kohli that India should play Day-Night Test matches. Ganguly and Kohli had their first formal meeting at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on Thursday.
The Indian skipper was there to attend the selection committee meeting to pick the squads for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Ganguly’s meeting with Kohli lasted for about 45 minutes. BCCI secretary Jay Shah was also present at the venue. Rohit Sharma, who will lead India in the T20Is in Kohli’s absence, joined later.
Dada believes D-N Test matches are the way forward to attract more spectators on the ground. India have been averse to playing D-N Tests, but according to The Telegraph, Ganguly stressed on the need to move with the times.
On Wednesday, the former India skipper said: “Personally, I am very much interested in D-N Tests… I’m a huge supporter of D-N Test matches. How can you continue with empty stands… I hope the D-N Tests are a solution to bringing the crowd back to the stadium. You don’t know till you try.”
While other top Test-playing nations like Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan have played D-N Tests, India have always moved away from the idea.
India’s bone of contention has been that the SG pink ball might not meet the required standards in the home conditions.
“India doesn’t have a Test series at home in the next few months after the one versus Bangladesh. Sourav believes the No.1 ranked side can take a risk against Bangladesh and play a D-N Test during the second game at the Eden.
“Virat wasn’t too keen on such an idea. But Sourav has requested him to think about it. Moreover, the Bangladesh board will also have to be taken into confidence,” a source was quoted as saying to The Telegraph.
Kohli & Co.’s next Test series will be against the Black Caps in New Zealand.
