Disappointing that Virat Kohli's 100th Test will be played behind closed doors: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar reacted to BCCI's decision of conducting Virat Kohli's 100th Test behind closed doors.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to conduct Virat Kohli's 100th Test match for India behind closed doors in Mohali. The first Test of the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali will be Kohli's 100th for the national side.
The first Test between the two sides is scheduled to get underway from March 04. While it will be a special occasion for Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters of the present era, BCCI's decision to not allow fans for the game has invited criticism from fans, who believe Kohli deserved to play his 100th Test in front of a crowd in Mohali.
Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) treasurer RP Singla on Saturday confirmed that fans will not be allowed inside the stadium for Kohli's milestone Test appearance. He informed that the decision was taken after a directive from the BCCI. While fans had expected better arrangements for Kohli's 100th Test, the former India captain will now make his 100th appearance in whites behind closed doors.
Gavaskar said it was disappointing to not have fans in the stadium for Kohli's 100th Test for India but insisted that the decision by the BCCI was taken in greater interest considering the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in and around the city.
"Any game that you play, you want the crowd to be there. India has played without any crowds in recent times. Any performer, be it an actor, be it a cricketer, wants to play in front of the crowd. The 100th Test is very very special. Disappointing that there is going to be no crowd, but I think the decision has been taken in the greater interest. The cases have increased in and around Mohali, where the match is going to be played," Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
While a number of series and matches have been played behind closed doors in the last couple of years, BCCI's decision of conducting Kohli's 100th Test without fans has not gone down well with the BCCI as the recently-concluded T20I series between India and Sri Lanka was played in front of fans in Lucknow and Dharamshala.
Fans were also allowed inside the stadium during the T20I series between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.