GT has achieved victory over MI in all four of their IPL home matches. It is noteworthy that a youthful team has consistently outperformed one of the top T20 franchises. However, what truly stands out is GT’s well-developed strategies for defeating their western-Indian rivals.
In IPL 2023, GT emerged victorious in their first two matches by batting first in four out of seven Ahmedabad games. Despite the disadvantage of dew, they took advantage of the early movement for fast bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami. Notably, both wins were against MI on red-soil pitches where they scored over 200 runs and utilized the new ball to dominate the game. This approach was made possible due to MI’s lack of players like Jasprit Bumrah who could capitalize on these conditions.
In their first season, GT successfully claimed the title but narrowly missed out on defending it in the following year due to one good delivery. However, MI capitalized on their shopping spree in 2024 by acquiring GT’s captain Hardik Pandya. They also formed a team full of powerful hitters, while Bumrah remained in top form. In their latest match against MI, GT adapted to a lower-scoring pitch and effectively defended their total of 168 by utilizing clever bowling tactics from Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, and Mohit Sharma.
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As they faced MI for the fourth time at their home ground, captain Shubman Gill clarified that their decision to use a black-soil pitch was not aimed at countering their opponents. However, the team’s assistant coach, Parthiv Patel, revealed in a brief interview that they intentionally chose to play MI on a black-soil surface. This strategy would not only nullify the danger posed by bowlers Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar with the new ball, but also take MI out of their comfort zone of playing on red-soil pitches like the one at Wankhede Stadium.
As it transpired, GT struggled in the 240-run match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and seemed better suited for under-200 games. Their lineup boasts an exceptional anchor batter in Jos Buttler, known for his efficiency in T20 cricket. Additionally, B Sai Sudharsan thrives during powerplay overs and can also steady the innings in the middle overs. The team’s batting core is versatile enough to handle challenging conditions.
Foremost, GT boasts a significant number of tall, aggressive fast bowlers who possess the ability to exploit the unpredictable pace and bounce of the playing field. The pitch itself bore a striking resemblance to the one utilized during the 2023 ODI World Cup final, emulating its style and stirring memories of imposing bowlers intimidating batters. It is worth noting that this feat has only been achieved by Mumbai Indians, not any other Indian team.
In addition to showcasing GT’s ability to excel on their home turf, this victory highlighted the strong partnership between the franchise and the local authorities. Due to the fast-paced nature of T20 matches, even small occurrences such as a wet ball resulting in a six can greatly impact the outcome. Therefore, in order to increase the chances of consistent success, it is crucial to fully utilize the advantage of playing at home.
CSK, known for their consistent appearances in the IPL playoffs, attribute this to their impressive home record where they boast twice as many wins as losses. Similarly, KKR has found success by utilizing their spinners on low-scoring pitches at home. RR’s strong performance at Sawai Mansingh Stadium under the leadership of Shane Warne during the first IPL season solidified it as a stronghold for them, winning all seven matches on home turf. It is no wonder that GT has quickly emerged as a formidable team, with an impressive overall win-loss ratio at home, second only to CSK.
Due to excessive dew and smaller grounds, both MI and RCB are unable to fully capitalize on their home advantage. As a result, MI’s five titles stand as an impressive accomplishment. On the other hand, teams without a steady home base often struggle in the IPL, as they are unable to tailor their team to suit specific conditions.
There have been some unusual occurrences in IPL 2025. Both CSK and KKR have mentioned a strained relationship with curators at Chepauk and Eden Gardens, who are seemingly not utilizing favorable conditions for their teams. Despite being prepared for matches with scores under 200, the pitches have hindered their spinners’ performance. Additionally, the Rajasthan Cricket Association is experiencing administrative issues and the Jaipur stadium, which falls under government jurisdiction, is not maintained year-round. As a result, RR has had to play some of their matches away from Jaipur, losing out on a home advantage they could otherwise dominate.
In cricket, home advantage is a strategic move due to the significant impact of conditions. This makes winning away games particularly noteworthy. However, in the case of IPL, the dynamics are different. The franchises are not in charge of maintaining the grounds throughout the year; they are only tenants for a short period. Therefore, they cannot expect the same level of cooperation as a Ranji Trophy team would receive. Consequently, it is reasonable for the groundsman to request that teams select players based on general conditions rather than favoring one side. Their intention is not to sabotage the home team; they simply dislike altering the nature of the pitch.
Having a management and team leadership that can foster positive relationships with both the state association and the ground staff has proven to be advantageous. The unique situation of CSK is worth noting, as their state association and IPL franchise have a strong connection. Keep an eye on Eden Gardens and Chepauk during upcoming matches. Additionally, pay attention to how GT utilizes different soils for various teams. It’s unlikely that CSK will receive the black one.
