'Virat Kohli was right': Empty stadium in Ahmedabad sparks debate on Test cricket’s future

India’s home season began on a quiet note as the first Test against West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium saw barren stands, a sight that has left Test cricket purists disappointed.

What makes this match historically significant is that it’s the first Test in nearly 15 years without Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in India’s playing XI. The last such instance dates back to November 2010 in Nagpur against New Zealand.

Both Kohli and Rohit, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025, have been the faces of India’s red-ball game for over a decade. Their absence appears to have cast a long shadow, reflected in the near-empty seats of the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Fans Voice Their Discontent

The sparse turnout triggered a flurry of reactions online.

One fan lamented, “Can’t believe the stadium is so empty. Why can’t Ahmedabad give free tickets to academy kids who want to learn the game?”

Another echoed Kohli’s earlier sentiment, writing, “Such a shame! This isn’t a Ranji match. Virat Kohli was right—we need fixed stadiums for Tests.”

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Kohli’s Vision for Test Cricket

Back in 2019, Virat Kohli had proposed five permanent Test centres across India to ensure consistent crowds and stronger engagement. He argued that dedicated venues could nurture loyal fan bases and preserve the essence of the format.

“We’ve been discussing this for a long time now. And in my opinion, we should have five Test centres period. I agree with State Associations, rotations and you know giving games and all that, that is fine for T20 and One-day Cricket, but Test Cricket, teams that are coming in should know, we are going to play at these five centres, these are the pitches we’re going to expect, these are the kind of people that come to watch, crowds you know," Kohli said. 

A Silent Warning

The empty rows in Ahmedabad aren’t just empty seats, they’re a reminder. As India ushers in a new Test era led by youngsters like Shubman Gill, the challenge now is clear: rekindle the nation’s love for the longest format before the silence becomes the norm.