Indore is set to host its first-ever Test during the three-match series against New Zealand in September-October as India’s top cricketers, in a unique way, on Tuesday announced the full schedule of the tour that will kick start the team’s home season.
However, in the official schedule released, there was no mention of the day-night Test against the Kiwis as all Test matches will start at 09:30 in the morning.
Skipper Virat Kohli announced on his twitter handle that the first Test will be played at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur from September 22-26.
Batsman Ajinkya Rahane revealed that the second Test will be held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore from September 30-October 4, while the iconic Eden Gardens has been given the third and final Test from October 8-12, according to seamer Mohammad Shami’s tweet.
“The land of great Syed Mushtaq Ali will host its 1st ever Test Match. Indore is waiting 4 the moment. #IndvNZ 2nd Test Match starts Sept 30,” Rahane wrote on his twitter handle.
While Kohli said, “TeamIndia will begin the home season at one of the oldest venues in the country – KANPUR vs. @BLACKCAPS #IndvNZ 1st Test starts Sept 22.”
Dharamsala will host the first of the five ODIs on October 16, while Delhi (October 19), Mohali (October 23), Ranchi (October 26) and Visakhapatnam (October 29) will organise the other matches.
Through his twitter account, newly appointed head coach Anil Kumble urged fans to turn up for the final One-day International in the port city of Visakhapatnam.
“Vizag is all set to host the final ODI of the series against Kiwis #IndvNZ on Oct 29. Turn up at the stadium and support #TeamIndia @BCCI,” Kumble said.
The BCCI president Anurag Thakur told PTI: “The upcoming home series against New Zealand will be very significant and we will be kickstarting an important phase in Indian cricket. The game is about players first. That’s the reason we have taken this unique initiative where the players of the national team will announce the schedule.
“It also brings them closer to the fans. Expect more such initiatives in coming days,” he added.
However, the BCCI released a revised schedule, with the dates for the Indore and Kolkata matches swapped due to the Durga Puja festival.
Ind-NZ revised schedule:
1st Test: Sept 22-26 Kanpur
2nd Test: Sept 30-Oct 4 Kolkata
3rd Test: Oct 8-12 Indore
1st ODI: Oct 16 Dharamsala
2nd ODI: Oct 19 Delhi
3rd ODI: Oct 23 Mohali
4th ODI: Oct 26 Ranchi
5th ODI: Oct 29 Visakhapatnam
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