Crucial to market Test cricket like we do T20s, says Kohli

Kolkata, India - Virat Kohli has urged India to replicate the Test-match stadium experiences for spectators in other countries, saying 'small things' like play areas for children could help keep the audience engaged throughout the day.

India's Indore and Kolkata Tests against Bangladesh were both played in front of strong crowds, but as things stand, it will not play a Test at home till its five-match series against England in 2021.

That time could ideally be spent shoring up the marketing around Test cricket, and Kohli said it would take more than just the players to keep people coming back. "I think it is very, very crucial to market Test cricket like we do for T20 and one-day cricket," Kohli said.

"Because it is not only the job of the players playing, it spreads out to the management, to the cricket board and to the home broadcaster as well - of how you portray a particular product to the people.

“If you create excitement only around T20 and not so much around Test cricket, then in the psyche of the fan there's already a certain template that's established. So I think if there's enough buzz created around Test cricket, then there will be a lot more keenness to come to the stadiums.”

The pink-ball Test in Kolkata drew more than 40,000 people on the first two days, at least some of which can be attributed to the novelty of India's first day-night Test.

Eden Gardens has also been a stronghold in Indian cricket, and large crowds are something of a given every time a Test is scheduled there. However, in various other parts of the country, stadiums are not as easy to fill.

Rahul Dravid echoed myriad voices recently when he said that better basic facilities for spectators should be the top priority.

Kohli said he would add crowd interaction to that list to enhance the experience of a Test match.