The BCCI is reportedly laying the foundation stone for the pink ball match between India and Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Since the concept's inception in 2016, India has hosted only one day-night Test match.
Virat Kohli is expected to play his 100th and 101st Tests in Mohali and Bengaluru respectively, the latter possibly leading to a day-night Test against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Cricket has requested that the T20I series be played first to facilitate a smooth transition from Australia, where they will play a five-match series. Three T20Is and two Tests are scheduled for Sri Lanka's tour of India. The Test was originally scheduled to be held in Mohali and Bengaluru.
Which Test will be played in Bengaluru is still in the air. Having missed a match in South Africa, Virat Kohli will be able to play his 100th Test at home against the Islanders. Since Kohli has an association with the city through the IPL, hosting the event in Bengaluru will add to the emotional significance.
A BCCI source said:
"It is possible that the first two Twenty20 Internationals of the tour will be played in Dharamsala, before the series moves to Mohali for the third T20I and the first Test." Lucknow may not be able to host Twenty20 Internationals.
They went on to add:
"The pink ball Test in Mohali is challenging as dew is expected to play a key role." On the other hand, BCCI is still monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country. Soon, we will take a final call to adjust the schedule."
The rising number of COVID-19 cases in India prompted the fixtures to be consolidated into one location. The upcoming series against West Indies will be held in Ahmedabad and Kolkata respectively.
Bengaluru may become the second Indian city to host a pink ball Test match.
In 2019 at the Eden Gardens, India played Bangladesh in their first day-night Test in 2019. India won by an innings and 46 runs after three days of play. The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore could be the second day-night stadium in the country.
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As of now, Sri Lanka and India have similar records in day-night Tests with two wins and one loss. The island nation is the only top-ranked team not to host a Day-Night Test.
The Test series will put an end to India's short domestic season, a few overseas tours and the T20 World Cup later in the year, ahead of the IPL.