‘It is disappointing’ – Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli's 100th Test being played behind closed doors

The 1st Test match between India and Sri Lanka that will commence on 4th March 2022 is set to be Virat Kohli’s 100th in the longest format of the game. However, there will be no fans in attendance for Kohli’s milestone Test match.

And, former Indian cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar feels that a player would always want the crowd to be present in the venue when he plays. Adding that India have played international cricket without crowds in recent times, Gavaskar reiterated that any performer will want to perform in front of people.

“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,” said Sunil Gavaskar in a chat with Sports Today.

The 100th Test is very special: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar also stated that the 100th Test is a special one for a cricketer. Gavaskar also opined that having no crowd for Kohli’s milestone match is a disappointing thing, and concluded by stating that this decision has been taken in greater interest, as the Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Mohali, the venue for Kohli’s 100th Test match.

“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,” concluded Sunil Gavaskar.

Virat Kohli has featured in 99 Test matches for India and has amassed 7962 runs in his career at an average of 50.39. The legendary batter has also plundered 27 centuries and 28 half-centuries in the longest format of the game for the Indian cricket team. Kohli is also the only Indian batter to have scored 7 Test double hundreds.