Virat Kohli’s 5 Test centres proposal has resurfaced after several years, with Ravichandran Ashwin now publicly backing the idea and urging the BCCI to finally make it happen. The debate reignited following the low crowd turnout during India’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies, which saw limited audience participation despite being played in major venues like Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Back in October 2019, then-skipper Virat Kohli had called for India to have five fixed Test centres to bring consistency and familiarity for both players and fans. Six years later, the issue remains unresolved — and Ashwin believes now is the right time for change.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, the former India spinner said, “Test centres are not about crowds alone. It’s also about familiarity with conditions. If we are playing in places like Guwahati or Ranchi, the challenge is that every surface behaves differently. There is hardly any bounce in the eastern part of India, which makes for an ordinary Test pitch.”
Ashwin emphasized that only venues with the best pitches should be given Test status, so players can get used to consistent playing conditions — something he believes is vital for quality cricket. “Make sure whichever Test centres you decide have the best pitches. Some venues perform better because players are used to the conditions — that’s a real home advantage,” he added.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, also questioned the decision to host a Test against South Africa in Guwahati, pointing out that even local players may not be familiar with the pitch there. “Eden Gardens, Guwahati – playing against South Africa there, should there be standard Test centres? Virat said years ago that they must be fixed. I think it’s about time,” he said.
He further explained that the main reason for creating multiple Test venues was to help develop more cricketers and provide funding to regional associations. However, he believes the approach has now become counterproductive as unfamiliar pitches often disadvantage even home players.
“Guwahati as a Test match is not a home game for either team. I don’t think anyone in the Indian team has played a first-class game there,” Ashwin added.
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Following their 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies, India now sits third in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle standings. The upcoming India vs South Africa Test series begins on November 14, and discussions around Kohli’s “five Test centres” model are once again taking centre stage in Indian cricket.
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