NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals’ decision to designate Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium as their second home venue for IPL 2025 has sparked debate, especially after their recent performances. The team, led by Riyan Parag, faced a disappointing start to the tournament, losing their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Hopes were high that playing at their ‘home’ ground in Guwahati would turn their fortunes around. However, those hopes were dashed when they suffered an 8-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.
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Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra took to his X handle to express his bewilderment at the Royals’ strategy. ‘While I understand the urge to spread the game and take it to different pockets of the country (and Guwahati has a lot of love for the game), it’s difficult to wrap your head around the fact that the people living in Rajasthan will get to see their team play at Jaipur for the first time on the 13th of April. Three weeks after the tournament starts,’ Chopra remarked.
Chopra further critiqued the suitability of the Guwahati pitch for the Royals’ playing style. ‘The pitch at Guwahati doesn’t look like the one that suits Rajasthan Royals’ strengths either. They need belters and let batters win games,’ he added, suggesting that the team’s preference for flat, batting-friendly tracks was not being met at the ACA Stadium.
In another post, Chopra highlighted the geographical and strategic mismatch, stating, ‘Guwahati is not just closer to Kolkata than it is to Rajasthan…but also, the track is closest to the one that KKR is asking for at the Eden Gardens.’ This observation underscores the potential advantage the pitch might offer to teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, rather than the Royals.
With two losses in as many matches, Rajasthan Royals are set to face a stern test against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium. The team will be hoping to turn their campaign around and make the most of their remaining home games, despite the challenges posed by their choice of venue.