Change in venues for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 — Ranchi set to lose hosting rights?

The Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium Complex in Ranchi is likely to lose hosting rights for the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 against Australia, scheduled for January 21 to February 27. The concern is around the early sunsets in Ranchi, which has prompted the BCCI to reconsider the venue. 

The original schedule states that the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur will begin the series before the action moves to Chennai for the second Test, followed by the third Test match in Guwahati. The series will end at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Why is the BCCI considering a replacement for Ranchi?

The probable change of the venue for India is linked to Ranchi’s early sunset during the first week of February, as the Indian management has shown its concerns. The limited daylight could push for early stumps and reduce the playing time during the fourth Test match of the series.

According to the reports, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Rajkot are being considered as the probable replacements for Ranchi, as the BCCI is going to take the final decision. The management has also raised its issues on the Ranchi conditions.

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The cold weather could impact the pitch preparations as the management is keen to ensure a proper five-day red-ball game. There are also the same issues in the third Test match in Guwahati. But the game is expected to begin 30 minutes before the scheduled start of any Test match in India.

What's the full Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 schedule?

India’s venue discussion for the series will be very important for their qualification to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025/27 final. The Shubman Gill-led side is currently in fifth place in the standings with 68 points and 51.52%, while the Pat Cummins-led side sits at the top with 96 points and 80% of points.

India returned from Sri Lanka after winning the opening Test match in Galle by 165 runs but couldn’t complete the sweep as the hosts, based on the superb knock of Sonal Dinusha on the fifth day, secured a draw and ended the series by a 1-1 margin.

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Nagpur will host the first Test match from January 21 before the action moves to Chennai from January 29. Guwahati will host the third game on February 11, while the final game ends on February 27.