IPL 2025: Squad change neutralises home advantage, says Rahul Dravid

Bengaluru: With many a fortress crumbling in IPL 2025, seeking solace in one’s home turf is no longer an option for some teams. In all the talk ‘unfavourable’ home conditions by franchises, RR head coach Rahu Dravid has weighed in with his views.
“One of the things about the big auction is that it’s a fresh start for a lot of players. Even though they may be your ‘home’ team players, they are playing for the team or on those grounds for the first time. When there’s a change of squad, the home advantage may not be that significant,” explained the former India skipper and coach.

Citing examples from RCB and RR, Dravid added: “Someone like Phil Salt, who was with KKR, has come to RCB for the first time. Likewise, someone like Nitish Rana is playing for RR this year for the first time. So, for him, Jaipur is a new ground.

” On their home turf, RCB batters have been guilty of gifting their wickets, and skipper Rajat Patidar didn’t shy away from admitting this. “Shot selection matters,” Patidar said, adding: “This time, the wickets are two-paced and there is variable bounce. So, I think the bowlers are getting a lot of help. However, the more we focus on hitting square of the wicket, the better it will be.”