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Seeing the low turn-out for the second Test match in Guwahati, former India captain and legend Kapil Dev said that Test cricket shouldn’t be taken to smaller venues. According to him, the longer format of the game should be played strictly at four to six major centres to preserve its value.
“Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai should remain the main Test venues. Two more could be added — or else pick between Chandigarh and Hyderabad,” Kapil Dev told CricBlogger exclusively.
Delhi too has been a traditional Test venue and has a rich history attached to it but of late the city is plagued with pollution wise and that goes against the city.
In light of Kolkata’s Eden Gardens attracting a significantly larger crowd for the opening Test against South Africa, Kapil Dev’s observation comes as a clear warning about preserving the sanctity of Test cricket. He believes that the traditional format risks losing its charm if it continues to be taken to venues where the audience is not fully aligned with its rhythm and demands.
“In smaller venues, the fans are more tuned to watch T20s and ODIs — that is what I feel,” Kapil Dev said, stressing that the temperament and expectations of spectators in such centres often favour the shorter formats. According to him, consolidating Test cricket in major venues will help maintain both its legacy and its loyal fan base.
Although India are staring at yet another Test series defeat after losing to New Zealand last year, the sanctity of Test cricket remains something every team in world cricket is striving to protect in order to lay a strong foundation for the future. And if the longest format continues to be supported by its traditional fan base, it will only help Test cricket remain relevant.
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