Ranchi Test in India-Australia Border-Gavaskar series could be moved over daylight concerns

India and Australia may see the fourth Test of their five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy shifted from Ranchi because of worries about limited daylight for the fixture scheduled February 19-23, 2027, according to reports. The series runs from January to February 2027 and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The BCCI previously named five venues for the contest: Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad, with the opening Test set in Nagpur followed by matches in Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 is due to begin on January 21, 2027 in Nagpur. The series is part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle, with India needing strong results to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Dainik Jagran reported that the potential change stems from concerns raised about early sunsets in Ranchi during the scheduled window. Reports said the Indian team management has raised concerns with the BCCI about the amount of daylight available in Ranchi during this period. The specific worry cited is that an early sunset could lead to a loss of playing time and make it harder to complete the required 90 overs in a day.

The fourth Test is currently scheduled at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi from February 19 to 23, 2027. The BCCI has not officially announced any venue change, so Ranchi remains the scheduled venue for the fourth Test at present.

If a relocation is approved, three cities are being mentioned as possible alternatives: Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Rajkot. No replacement venue has been confirmed by the BCCI, and reports add that the match is expected to take place on the same dates, February 19-23, if moved.

Officially the BGT 2027 schedule remains unchanged, but the fourth Test venue could be the subject of further discussions between the BCCI and other stakeholders. Any decision on relocating the Ranchi fixture will be confirmed by the BCCI.

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2027 is scheduled for January 21, 2027 in Nagpur; any change to the fourth Test’s venue would leave the series dates intact pending formal BCCI approval.