Virat Kohli may miss home ODI against Sri Lanka as Delhi venue faces relocation
Ongoing outfield renovations at Arun Jaitley Stadium could force the series opener to move from New Delhi next month, according to Outlook.
Virat Kohli is likely to miss the first ODI against Sri Lanka next month as the match may be moved from New Delhi. According to a report by Outlook, ongoing outfield renovations at the Arun Jaitley Stadium have pushed the city out of contention for the fixture.
The stadium is undergoing an upgrade to a sand-based surface. A source told The Hindu that the work will take around four months to complete and will improve the drainage system so that puddles do not form and the ground can be ready after rain without delay.
The renovation has already impacted Delhi's domestic season, forcing the team to move Ranji Trophy home games to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam. Delhi is scheduled to face Services at that venue from Monday and will also host Maharashtra in the second phase of the tournament.
The stadium overhaul could keep the venue out of action for top-flight cricket until IPL 2027. India last played an ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11, 2023, during the ODI World Cup.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia previously dismissed reports last month that the match could be moved to Ahmedabad due to the renovation work at the stadium.
