Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin but has been openly questioned Punjab Kings (PBKS) in home site strategy ipl 2026suggesting that the franchise’s decision to split the matches across two different stadiums may have disrupted the team’s momentum at the crucial stage of the tournament.
Punjab Kings were looking like genuine playoff contenders after an impressive unbeaten run at the start of the season. However, their campaign has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with the team suffering five consecutive defeats and slipping into a win-less situation at the business end of the league.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Punjab Kings for changing their home ground
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that some of the most successful IPL franchises have built their dominance around consistency at a single home venue. The veteran off-spinner also made it clear that Punjab’s struggle should not be dismissed as another disappointing season.
“KKR, CSK and MI, the three teams who have won the most trophies, have they ever changed their home venue? Look, we can say from outside that Punjab is not performing well, but because I have been there personally, I know it is wrong. We won five matches in Mohali, then we changed the venue and were knocked out of the tournament.” Ashwin said.
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Conditions in Dharamshala are becoming a challenge: Ashwin
Ashwin specifically focused on the Dharamshala pitch and said that it is not easy to bat first there this season. He explained that the change of venue has directly affected his scoring pattern and overall pace.
“Punjab are not playing in Mullanpur; 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 that Punjab is struggling, but two of those losses have come after changing their home ground.” He said.
Punjab Kings still in the race for playoffs
Despite their recent decline, Punjab Kings are mathematically alive in the playoff race. led by Shreyas IyerThe 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 fresh debate over whether IPL franchises should continue operating from multiple home venues during a single season. While secondary venues help increase fan engagement, critics believe that the constantly changing surfaces and conditions can disrupt a team’s rhythm during the most important stage of the tournament.
