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Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked an important conversation regarding the selection of venues for Test cricket in India, following India’s narrow victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected second Test in Kanpur. Ashwin, one of India’s most experienced Test players, suggested that limiting the number of Test venues across the country could help players perform better and ensure a higher quality of matches.
A Rain-Hampered Match in Kanpur
The second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur, was plagued by rain interruptions, with days of play lost due to poor weather and subpar drainage facilities. After just 35 overs of play on Day 1, continuous rainfall forced a halt, with Days 2 and 3 being abandoned entirely. The match resumed on Day 4 and concluded on Day 5, with India managing a dramatic victory over Bangladesh through an aggressive performance in the limited time available.
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The weather and the inadequate drainage system at Green Park raised concerns about the viability of such venues for high-stakes Test matches. This has reignited the debate over whether Test matches in India should be restricted to only a few key centres with better infrastructure.
Ashwin Weighs in on the Debate
In a recent interview, Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the issue, pointing out that while having many Test centres across the country has helped promote the game and attract players from different regions, it may also pose certain challenges. “By having so many Test centres, you get cricketers from every nook and corner of the country, which is a big positive,” Ashwin said in an interview with The Indian Express.
However, he also emphasized that there are several logistical aspects that need to be considered for hosting a successful Test match. “There are certain requisite ingredients that go into making a Test match happen, like weather conditions and the kind of drainage systems that we need to invest in. These are no-brainers,” Ashwin stated.
Comparing with England and Australia
Ashwin drew comparisons with Test cricket in countries like England and Australia, where matches are typically hosted at select venues known for their high standards of facilities and playing conditions. “In Australia, they play India at five Test centers. They don’t play us at venues like the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Similarly, England has certain select Test centers where they host major matches,” Ashwin explained.
He pointed out that limiting Test cricket to a few major centres in these countries helps players familiarize themselves with the conditions, resulting in more consistent performances. “Does it help a player if you have just a few Test centres? Most certainly it does,” Ashwin added. He also noted that some of the venues in countries like England are used exclusively for white-ball cricket, helping to ensure the quality of matches.
The Way Forward for Indian Cricket
The idea of limiting Test venues in India has been a topic of discussion for several years, with former cricketers and commentators expressing concerns about the state of infrastructure at certain venues. With Ashwin now lending his voice to the debate, it remains to be seen whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will consider reducing the number of Test venues to ensure better playing conditions and avoid disruptions like those seen in Kanpur.
India’s Performance Amidst the Challenges
Despite the disruptions caused by the weather, the Indian team put in a stellar performance on Days 4 and 5 to clinch a victory against Bangladesh. The team’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions was praised by many, with Ashwin himself playing a crucial role in securing the win. His comments on the venue issue highlight the broader challenges faced by players in ensuring consistent performances in diverse and sometimes unpredictable conditions.
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