Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has overtly questioned the Punjab Kings (PBKS) house venue technique in IPL 2026, suggesting that the franchise’s resolution to separate matches throughout two totally different stadiums might have disrupted the crew’s momentum at a vital stage of the event.
Punjab Kings appeared like real playoff contenders earlier within the season after placing collectively a formidable unbeaten streak. Nevertheless, their marketing campaign has taken a dramatic flip in latest weeks, with the facet struggling 5 consecutive defeats and slipping right into a must-win state of affairs heading into the enterprise finish of the league.
Ravichandran Ashwin slams Punjab Kings’ altering house venues
Talking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin identified that among the IPL’s most profitable franchises have constructed their dominance round consistency at a single house venue. The veteran off-spinner additionally made it clear that Punjab’s struggles mustn’t merely be dismissed as one other disappointing season.
“KKR, CSK and MI, the three groups which have received the best variety of trophies, have they ever modified their house venue? Look, we are able to say from the surface that Punjab aren’t doing nicely, however as a result of I’ve personally been there, I do know it’s fallacious. We received 5 matches in Mohali, then we modified venues and acquired knocked out of the event,” Ashwin stated.
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Dharamsala situations changing into a problem: Ashwin
Ashwin notably centered on the Dharamsala pitch, explaining that batting first there has not been easy this season. He defined that the venue change has straight affected their scoring patterns and total momentum.
“Punjab will not be enjoying in Mullanpur; they’re enjoying in Dharamsala, the place the wicket is just not that good to bat first on. The ball stays a bit low within the first half, so it should take time for them to adapt. Their batting order is scoring 20-30 runs fewer as a result of they must adapt. Folks can say Punjab are struggling, however two of these defeats got here after altering their house venue,” he stated.
Punjab Kings nonetheless alive in playoff race
Regardless of their latest hunch, the Punjab Kings stay mathematically alive within the playoff race. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the crew nonetheless has an opportunity to interrupt into the highest 4, however they are going to doubtless want victories in each of their remaining fixtures. Ashwin’s feedback have now sparked contemporary debate over whether or not IPL franchises ought to proceed working from a number of house venues throughout the identical season. Whereas secondary venues assist develop fan engagement, critics imagine that consistently altering surfaces and situations can disrupt a crew’s rhythm throughout the event’s most important part.
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