Published on: Oct 03, 2025 21:14 pm IST
Since then, either Kohli or Rohit has been a constant presence in the Indian Test setup. But with both stalwarts retiring from the longest format in May 2025, a new era has begun — and the empty stands in Ahmedabad reflect the void.
Virat Kohli’s Old Warning Resurfaces
The lack of crowd turnout, despite India’s dominance on the field, has led many to revisit Virat Kohli’s past comments about the importance of fixed Test centers. Kohli had argued that red-ball cricket thrives only when hosted at venues with strong cultural and emotional connections to the format, ensuring weekday crowds and consistent support.
With Kohli and Rohit gone, the responsibility of carrying forward Indian Test cricket’s popularity now rests on names like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul.
India on Top Despite Empty Seats
On the field, India have been clinical. After West Indies opted to bat first, the Indian pacers dismantled the visitors. Mohammed Siraj struck early, while Jasprit Bumrah ensured there was no lower-order resistance. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar cleaned up the rest, bowling out West Indies for just 162.
In reply, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India a strong start. While Jaiswal failed to convert, Rahul’s composed batting steadied the innings. Skipper Shubman Gill chipped in with a crucial half-century, even though he fell short of a hundred. Rahul’s determination guided India towards a commanding lead, putting them in full control.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Asia Cup 2025 Star: How Yuvraj Singh’s Protege Became India’s Brightest Young Batter
The Bigger Picture for Test Cricket in India
While India’s performance has been dominant, the sight of empty rows in one of the world’s largest cricket stadiums has raised concerns. For purists, it symbolizes the ‘star power vacuum’ left by Kohli and Rohit, and poses a critical question: Can India’s next generation bring fans back to Test cricket, or will the format continue to lose its audience in the country?
As Shubman Gill and his team take over the red-ball baton, the challenge goes beyond just winning matches — it’s about reviving fan passion for Test cricket in India.
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