Virat Kohli skeptical about playing Test under lights without testing pink ball

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not on the same page with the Indian team management pertaining to the day-night match that has been scheduled between India and Windies later in October this year. As per TOI, skipper Kohli has expressed his disagreement with it by raising the issue with coach Ravi Shastri and would be taking it up with the CoA prior to IPL as well.

CoA chairman, Vinod Rai, had a similar concern and had even proposed that the players be consulted before giving a green light to it. However, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary has always voted for it claiming it would boost fans’ interest in Test cricket, with sources also revealing that coach Shastri had also given his consent in writing.

Kohli’s biggest concern has been said to be the number of sessions under the flood-lights, which has generally been more than one in a Day-night Test. Another huge reason for disagreeing with it has also said to be India’s tour of Australia later this year. If India would entertain Windies in a day-night Test, then Aussies would also be tempted to include more than one session under the lights. And Kohli hasn’t been willing to risk an important series without proper practice.

“Initially, even Kohli wasn’t sure about the long-term impact of playing day-night Test without having a proper trial of it. But now, both Kohli and Shastri are in agreement that India should not rush into day-night Test just as yet,” said a source, reported TOI, while adding that India would eventually play it but only after the team is convinced.

While the body clock of the players and their unpreparedness has been a concern, other concerns for a day-night test include how spectators would return home late at night and the huge security. Rai, in his mail to BCCI, has pointed out that Hyderabad and Rajkot aren’t favorable venues for day-night Tests and the board should instead be looking to host them in big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi, where the stadiums are the heart of the city. Not only would it assure perfect public transport but also security.

CoA has also expressed its unhappiness with BCCI’s practice of the officials calling the shots without consulting the players. Though Kohli has also been accused of having bigger say on BCCI’s Future Tour Programme, CoA has shot it down arguing cricket is for cricketers.