Pune: Test Twenty, cricket’s revolutionary Fourth Format, successfully concluded its first-ever Open Trials in Pune on Saturday, December 27, 2025, marking its on-ground debut in India and a defining moment in its grassroots talent discovery journey.
Held at Musclebar Sports Club (alongside Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy) in Ambegaon Budruk, the trials attracted over 700 registrations, despite the holiday season and multiple academy matches taking place across the city. More than 400 young cricketers aged 13–19 were able to complete their on-ground trials within the available time slots, showcasing a high level of preparation, competitive intent, and game awareness.
Owing to the overwhelming response and high participation levels, the available time slots were fully utilised on the day. Encouraged by the enthusiasm from several hundred additional registrants and strong inbound interest from players engaged in concurrent matches, Test Twenty has confirmed a second round of Pune trials in January 2026.
The Pune trials followed a comprehensive evaluation framework, assessing players across batting, bowling, fielding, athleticism, and cognitive intelligence. Unlike conventional open trials, Test Twenty ensured that every batter and bowler received structured opportunities, while fielding was made a compulsory part of the assessment.
Backed by cricket icons AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Harbhajan Singh, Test Twenty is an 80-over format that fuses Test cricket’s strategic depth with T20’s intensity. Created by sports visionary Gaurav Bahirvani, the format features four innings of 20 overs each, with teams batting and bowling twice in same-day competitive fixtures: designed to test adaptability and tactical intelligence.
Players from Pune have been provisionally shortlisted, with final selections subject to cross-city benchmarking. The trials also delivered notable standout performances, including three players who clearly distinguished themselves, and two under-13 players who, despite not meeting age eligibility criteria, impressed selectors with exceptional skill and maturity. Both have been inducted into Test Twenty’s Development Player Group, where they will be mentored and prepared for future seasons.
Speaking on the successful completion of the trials, Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder, Test Twenty®️, said: “Pune was our first on-ground test, and it affirmed everything Test Twenty®️ stands for. Even with holidays and multiple matches across the city, hundreds of young cricketers showed up prepared, disciplined, and hungry to be judged on merit. This is exactly the kind of talent India has in abundance, and exactly why this platform needs to exist.”
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