Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned the Punjab Kings (PBKS) home venue strategy in IPL 2026, suggesting that the franchise’s decision to split matches across two different stadiums may have disrupted the team’s momentum at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Punjab Kings looked like genuine playoff contenders earlier in the season after putting together an impressive unbeaten streak. However, their campaign has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with the side suffering five consecutive defeats and slipping into a must-win situation heading into the business end of the league.
Ravichandran Ashwin slams Punjab Kings’ changing home venues
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that some of the IPL’s most successful franchises have built their dominance around consistency at a single home venue. The veteran off-spinner also made it clear that Punjab’s struggles should not simply be dismissed as another disappointing season.
“KKR, CSK and MI, the three teams that have won the highest number of trophies, have they ever changed their home venue? Look, we can say from the outside that Punjab aren’t doing well, but because I have personally been there, I know it is wrong. We won five matches in Mohali, then we changed venues and got knocked out of the tournament,” Ashwin said.
Dharamsala conditions becoming a challenge: Ashwin
Ashwin particularly focused on the Dharamsala pitch, explaining that batting first there has not been straightforward this season. He explained that the venue change has directly affected their scoring patterns and overall momentum.
“Punjab are not playing in Mullanpur; they are playing in Dharamsala, where the wicket is not that good to bat first on. The ball stays a little low in the first half, so it will take time for them to adapt. Their batting order is scoring 20-30 runs fewer because they have to adapt. People can say Punjab are struggling, but two of those defeats came after changing their home venue,” he said.
Punjab Kings still alive in playoff race
Despite their recent slump, the Punjab Kings remain mathematically alive in the playoff race. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team still has a chance to break into the top four, but they will likely need victories in both of their remaining fixtures. Ashwin’s comments have now sparked fresh debate over whether IPL franchises should continue operating from multiple home venues during the same season. While secondary venues help expand fan engagement, critics believe that constantly changing surfaces and conditions can disrupt a team’s rhythm during the tournament’s most crucial phase.
