Rajeev Shukla openly rejects Virat Kohli's old suggestion of '5 Test centers' amid Kanpur Test chaos

The wet outfield issues during the Kanpur Test have reignited discussions about India having just 5-6 venues specifically for Test cricket like Australia and England. However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has refuted suggestions about having limited Test venues.

Rohit Sharma opted to field first after winning the toss in the Kanpur Test. The opening day of the second and final Test was affected by rain, as only 35 overs were bowled before stumps. Bangladesh was at 107/3 with veteran cricketers Mominul Haque (40 runs) and Mushfiqur Rahim (6), unbeaten at the crease.

The second day of the Test match between India and Bangladesh was canceled due to overnight rain. The third day was also called off despite sunny weather conditions. The ground staff used super soppers and dryers to dry wet patches on the outfield, but fans and experts criticized the stadium's facilities.

We Should Have Five Test Centres - Virat Kohli

Fans expressed their disappointment over not seeing any action during two consecutive days of the ongoing Test match. This ongoing issue in Kanpur has reignited discussions about having fewer designated Test centers, a topic touched upon by former Team India captain Virat Kohli back in 2019.

“We’ve been discussing this for a long time now. And in my opinion, we should have five Test centres period," Kohli had said after disappointing crowds in the three-match Test series against South Africa in Vizag, Ranchi, and Pune.

"I agree with State Associations, rotations and you know giving games and all that, that is fine for T20 and One-day Cricket, but Test Cricket, teams that are coming in should know, we are going to play at these five centres, these are the pitches we’re going to expect, these are the kind of people that come to watch, crowds you know."

once a wise man said pic.twitter.com/DG0ny4qZ8H

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Australia and England have a set of designated venues for Test cricket. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground, Hobart, Perth Stadium, Adelaide Oval, and the Gabba are the main Test venues in Australia. Similarly, Lord's, The Oval, Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, and Trent Bridge host Tests.

The BCCI Has A Rotation Policy - Rajeev Shukla

However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that adopting a model with only five Test centers, like England and Australia, wouldn’t work in India. Rajeev emphasized that the Board of Control for Cricket in India follows a rotation policy for its venues across the formats of the game.

"Sticking to five Test centres like England and Australia will not work here. The BCCI has a rotation policy," BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said.

Team India To Host New Zealand Next Month For Three Tests

India is set to host New Zealand in a three-match Test series across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. Mumbai and Bengaluru are popular cricketing venues in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India should consider improving drainage systems, as only Bengaluru and Kolkata have good facilities.

Also read: Basit Ali calls for BCCI to ban Green Park Stadium from hosting Tests