Indian legend and former Rajasthan Royals cricketer R Ashwin has questioned the need for franchises to play home games at several venues.
Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to play their first three home matches at the Barasapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, while the venues for their remaining home matches are yet to be decided. Over the years, the Royals have alternated playing games between the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur, their traditional home ground, and the Barasapara Stadium. Since 2023, the Royals have managed to win only two out of six games in Guwahati.
Ashwin believes that playing at an isolated venue will help Rajasthan Royals, even if it is the Barasapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “I thought his team got a bit of an upgrade when they got both Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. But they have a lot of things going for them, as well as not going for them. They are not playing at one place, and that is not fair. I know Riyan Parag is the captain, and he will get support in Assam, I understand all that, but if you want to play, play the whole season there.”
Ashwin also mentioned his time as the captain of Punjab Kings, where the team had to play matches at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Punjab Kings is one of the franchises that have alternated their home venues over the years. Some of their home season matches are held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
“I was the captain of Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) when we had to play some matches in Indore and that's a big factor. I know the gate collection and the fan support there. RR has a lovely brand and an ecosystem, it's close to my heart because I enjoyed the atmosphere of that team,” he said.
Rajasthan Royals will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Barasapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
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