Sourav Ganguly has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its decision to take Test cricket to emerging venues like Guwahati and Ranchi, even as traditional centres such as Eden Gardens miss out on marquee fixtures in the upcoming 2026–27 home season. The BCCI recently unveiled India’s home schedule, with key matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to be played across Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad.

The absence of iconic venues like Kolkata and Mumbai from the Test series has sparked debate, but Sourav Ganguly believes the move reflects the evolving landscape of Indian cricket. Speaking at an event, Ganguly admitted his personal preference for hosting Tests at Eden Gardens but emphasized the importance of expanding the game’s reach.

“It’s always special to have big matches at Eden Gardens. As a former player and administrator, I would love to see Tests here, but we’ve hosted plenty of games recently, including a Test against South Africa and matches during the T20 World Cup and IPL,” he said.

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Sourav Ganguly highlighted that Indian cricket’s infrastructure has grown significantly, allowing newer venues to step into the spotlight. “As much as you want matches at traditional grounds, it’s equally important to take Test cricket to other cities. Stadiums across India are now world-class, and I’m happy to see venues like Guwahati and Ranchi getting opportunities,” he added.

Guwahati, which hosted its maiden Test in November 2025, is already set to stage another within a year—a sign of the BCCI’s growing confidence in non-traditional centres. Meanwhile, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad continues to feature prominently in the rotation.

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However, not everyone agrees with the shift. Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju voiced his preference for returning to the traditional rotation of major Test venues, citing the unique atmosphere and legacy associated with grounds like Eden Gardens. Despite differing opinions, the BCCI’s approach signals a broader vision—balancing heritage with expansion as Indian cricket continues to grow its footprint across the country.