Why Could Ranchi Lose IND vs AUS BGT Test Despite Guwahati’s Earlier Sunset?

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most anticipated Test series among fans, with thrill and excitement. The BGT 2027 is all set to take place in India, and the matches will be played across India, covering some of the best cricket stadiums in the world. The IND vs AUS BGT Test series will begin on January 21, 2027, in Nagpur and will continue till the last match on February 27-March 3, 2027, covering venues like Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.

However, months before the series, reports have been circulated that a change to the Ranchi BGT Test venue could be seen, as the management has asked the BCCI to change the venue due to early sunset. The new venue to host the match could be Hyderabad, Rajkot or Visakhapatnam. However, there might be a debate around the Guwahati Test venue, as sunset happens earlier than in Ranchi. Let's find out the reason behind this move to change only the Ranchi venue change and not Guwahati as well.

Why is Ranchi Facing a Venue Change and Not Guwahati as Well?

According to reports by Abhishek Tripathi, the venue of the IND vs AUS 4th BGT Test might be shifted due to the earlier sunset, considering the location of Ranchi in East India, where sunset early than in other parts of India, but a contradiction can be observed: the IND vs AUS 3rd BGT Test is scheduled to be played in Guwahati, which is located in North-East India and sunsets even earlier than Ranchi, and there is no consideration of changing that venue.

The main reason behind only Ranchi facing a venue change and not Guwahati as well could be the start time of the Guwahati Test match, which is 9:00 AM IST, while other matches will start at 9:30 AM IST. The match will start 30 min before the normal time to accommodate the earlier sunset, which generally ranges from 5:10 PM to 5:20 PM IST in February. However, if Guwahati's time could be changed, the management could also change the start time in Ranchi as well, where the sunset time is around 5:30 PM to 5:50 PM IST in February.

Moreover, it can be noted that after the re-appointment of Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary, who is also from Guwahati, many of India's international matches have been scheduled at this venue, especially the maiden Test match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.