Ravichandran Ashwin Calls for Fixed Test Centres in India to Ensure True Home Advantage

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited the debate over India’s Test match venues, asserting that playing within the country’s borders does not always guarantee a true “home advantage.” Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stressed the need for fixed Test centres in India to help players adapt better and maintain consistency.

Ashwin pointed out that India’s large number of cricket venues often works against the national team’s red-ball performance. When India plays Tests in cities where the side rarely competes, players are forced to adjust to unfamiliar conditions—something visiting teams exploit effectively.

“Just because a match is played in India doesn’t mean it’s a home Test. In places like Guwahati, we’ve hardly played red-ball cricket. That makes it feel like an away game within India,” Ashwin explained.

The former off-spinner highlighted India’s upcoming series against South Africa in Kolkata and Guwahati, noting that such variety in locations limits the home team’s predictability about pitch behaviour and local conditions.

Ashwin further drew comparisons with nations like Australia, England, and South Africa, where Test cricket is hosted at a handful of established venues that are strategically selected to favour the home side.

“When we tour South Africa, we mostly play in Centurion or Wanderers. They don’t schedule Tests in Port Elizabeth because it assists spin. We should also follow that model,” he said.

India’s cricketing landscape is known for its wide range of pitches—spin-friendly surfaces in Chennai and Ahmedabad, fast-bowler tracks in Mohali and Kolkata, and balanced conditions in Vizag and Dharamsala. While this diversity benefits domestic cricket, Ashwin believes it can dilute the advantage at the international level.

The idea of fixed Test centres is not new. Former India captain Virat Kohli voiced similar sentiments in 2019, suggesting that five permanent Test venues would improve crowd engagement and create a stronger home atmosphere.

“If you want to keep Test cricket alive, five fixed centres make sense. Visiting teams should know where they’ll play and what to expect,” Kohli had stated.

While some fans argue that spreading Tests across different regions allows more supporters to experience the game, Ashwin insists consistency and strategic planning should take precedence to strengthen India’s dominance in red-ball cricket.