former indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin by Punjab Kings (PBKS) India’s home venue strategy has been openly questioned, suggesting that the franchise’s decision to split matches across two different stadiums could hamper the team’s momentum at a crucial stage.
Punjab Kings were looking like genuine playoff contenders after an impressive unbeaten series at the start of the season. However, their campaign has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with the team having suffered five consecutive defeats and left needing a win at the crucial stage of the league.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that some of the most successful IPL franchises have built their dominance around consistency at the same home venue. The experienced off-spinner also made it clear that Punjab’s troubles should not be dismissed as just another disappointing season.
“KKR, CSK and MI, these three teams who have won the most trophies, have they ever changed their home venues? Look, we can say from outside that Punjab is not doing well, but since I have been there personally, I know it is wrong. We won five matches in Mohali, then we changed the venue and were out of the tournament,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin particularly focused on the Dharamsala pitch, stating that it has not been easy to bat first there this season. He explained that the venue change has directly affected his scoring pattern and overall pace.
“Punjab are not playing in Mallanpur; they are playing in Dharamsala, where the wicket is not that good to bat first. The ball is a bit low in the first half, so they will take time to adapt. Their batting order is 20-30 runs less because they have to adapt. People may say Punjab is struggling, but two of those defeats have come after changing venues,” He said.
Despite their recent decline though, Punjab Kings are mathematically alive in the playoff race. Shreyas Iyer Under the leadership of , the team still has a chance to reach the top four, but they will need to win both their remaining matches. Ashwin’s comments have now sparked a fresh debate over whether IPL franchises should continue operating from multiple home venues in the same season. While secondary venues help increase fan engagement, critics believe that the constantly changing surfaces and conditions can disrupt a team’s rhythm at the most important stage of the tournament.
