NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals’ decision to choose Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium as their second home venue for IPL 2025 does not seem to be working in their favour. After losing their opening match of the tournament to Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team was hopeful that the home advantage would help them get their campaign back on track. However, that was not the case, as the Riyan Parag-led side suffered an 8-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted the unconventional approach taken by Rajasthan Royals in structuring their home games, calling it “difficult to wrap your head around.”
“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 that the fact that the people living in Rajasthan will get to see their team play at Jaipur first time on the 13th of April. Three weeks after the tournament starts,” Chopra posted on his X handle after the IPL game on Wednesday.
He also pointed out that the pitch at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium was not ideal for Rajasthan Royals.
“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.
In another post on X, Chopra wrote: “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.”
With two losses in as many matches, Rajasthan Royals will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium.
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