Sunil Gavaskar: Disappointing to have no crowd on Virat’s 100th Test

Former skipper will play his 100th Test in Mohali without any crowd

Former Indian skipper and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has presented his thoughts on BCCI’s decision to hold Virat’s 100^th Test behind closed doors, he said that it was disappointing to have no crowd in Mohali, but the board took the step in greater interest as Covid-19 cases around the Punjab city have increased.

Kohli missed the T-20I series against Sri Lanka as he was given a break from international cricket by BCCI.

PCA and BCCI confirmed that the fans won’t be allowed in the stadium in Mohali for the first Test match against Sri Lanka.

"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," Gavaskar told Sports Today.

The T20I series between India and Sri Lanka in Dharamsala saw the crowd in attendance while the second Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will also allow fan attendance, up to 50 percent.

Even the India vs West Indies T20I series at Eden Gardens had allowed fans, although in a reduced capacity. In such a scenario, the fact that Kohli's 100th Test is being hosted at a venue where fans aren't allowed is a fact that hasn't been welcomed.

India won the T-20I series against Sri Lanka by 3-0. India will face Sri Lanka for the 1^st Test match on the 4^th of March.