Veteran spinner calls for standard test venues, says India loses edge with too many centres

Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred a fresh debate in the cricketing world with his thought-provoking take on the idea of 'home advantage'. The veteran spinner believes that not every Test played within India truly feels like a home game. 

Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that India’s vast geography and the ever-changing nature of its pitches often turn domestic fixtures into virtual away matches, despite being played on home soil. His comments come ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, where matches are scheduled in less familiar venues like Kolkata and Guwahati.

'Familiarity Defines Home Advantage'

“In Guwahati, when we play South Africa, it’s technically a home game but feels like an away one. We don’t know what to expect from the pitch,” Ashwin said.

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Call for Fixed Test Centres

The Tamil Nadu spinner emphasized the need for standard Test venues, similar to those in Australia, England, and South Africa. He argued that these nations host matches at consistent grounds suited to their strengths — a model India should adopt.

“When we tour South Africa, they never schedule games where the ball spins. They play to their advantage. India should do the same,” Ashwin remarked.

A Case for Consistency

Ashwin’s comments reignite the conversation on how India’s diversity, once seen as an advantage, may actually be diluting the team’s dominance at home. His call for dedicated Test centres could reshape how India approaches its red-ball fixtures in the future.