Sourav Ganguly Backs BCCI on Guwahati, Ranchi Test Venues for India 2026–27 Season

Sourav Ganguly supports BCCI’s move to host Tests in emerging venues like Guwahati and Ranchi while acknowledging the legacy of traditional centres.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a diversified schedule for India’s 2026–27 home season, spreading Test matches across multiple venues beyond the traditional centres. The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played between January 21 and February 25, with matches scheduled in Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad.

Interestingly, historic venues like Eden Gardens and Mumbai have not been allotted Tests for this marquee series, instead hosting limited-overs fixtures later in the season.

Sourav Ganguly Welcomes Balanced Approach

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his support for the board’s decision, highlighting the importance of taking Test cricket to newer regions while acknowledging the emotional connect with iconic venues.

“It’s always special to have big Test matches at Eden Gardens,” the former BCCI said at an event. “As CAB president and a former player, I would like to host Tests here, but we recently had a Test against South Africa, along with matches in the T20 World Cup and the IPL.”

“As much as you want matches at Eden, it is important they go to other venues as well,” he added.

Ganguly emphasized that modern stadiums across the country are well-equipped to host international matches. “Stadiums all around India are very good. I’m happy to see Tests in Chennai, Guwahati and Ranchi,” he said.

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Mixed Reactions Over Moving Away from Traditional Venues

While the move has been welcomed by some, others remain nostalgic about the traditional Test centres. Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju voiced his disagreement, advocating a return to the old system.

“In our time, we had five main Test venues – Kolkata, Kanpur, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai – and that had its own charm,” he said. “They should consider going back to that format. Playing at venues like Eden, with such strong crowd support, is always special.”

With India also set to host series against West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia, the decision signals a strategic shift by the BCCI to broaden the reach of Test cricket while maintaining a balance between legacy venues and emerging centres.