Which cricket venue hosted its first ever Test match on 9 November 2016 in a game between India and England?

Introduction / Context:
India has several modern cricket stadiums that have gradually been upgraded to host Test matches. When a ground hosts its first Test, it becomes an important point in cricket trivia. On 9 November 2016, one such venue hosted its debut Test match in a game between India and England. This question checks whether you can correctly identify that stadium from the given options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The date of the first Test at this venue is 9 November 2016.
• The match was between India and England.
• Options include stadiums in Ranchi, Rajkot, Dharamshala, and Indore.
• We assume official Test match schedules as per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC records.

Concept / Approach:
The first Test of the India–England series in late 2016 was played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. This match, starting on 9 November 2016, marked Rajkot's debut as a Test venue. Other grounds like Holkar Stadium in Indore and HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala also became Test venues around that period, but their debut Test matches were against different opponents or on different dates.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the India–England Test series played in India during the 2016–17 season. Step 2: Remember that the first Test of that series took place in Rajkot, marking the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium's debut as a Test venue. Step 3: Check the date: 9 November 2016 corresponds to the start of that Rajkot Test. Step 4: Compare this with Ranchi, Dharamshala and Indore, which hosted Test matches at other times and often against different teams. Step 5: Select “Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot” as the answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Match archives from ESPNcricinfo and official BCCI schedules confirm that India vs England, 1st Test of the series starting on 9 November 2016, was played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. The commentary and match reports mention the occasion as the first Test ever held at this ground. The other venues listed achieved Test status in nearby years but are linked to different fixtures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi: Hosted its first Test later and not this particular India vs England match on 9 November 2016.
• Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala: Gained Test status in a later series and did not host this specific game.
• Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore: Hosted its first Test earlier in the 2016–17 season against New Zealand, not this India–England Test.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several new Indian venues received Test status around the same period, candidates may mix up dates and opponents. Some may recall that Indore and Dharamshala are also new Test centres and guess one of them. To avoid confusion, it is helpful to link Rajkot specifically with the India–England Test that started on 9 November 2016.

Final Answer:
The venue that hosted its first ever Test match on 9 November 2016 between India and England was the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.