Their recent qualification history also highlights the problem. DC qualified for the playoffs in 2021, but that season was not played in the hom-away format because of COVID-19 restrictions. In 2020, when they reached the final, all matches were played in the UAE. Since 2012, Delhi have qualified for the playoffs only once while actually playing home matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium — in 2019.
In comparison, the league’s most successful home sides have built strong records in familiar conditions. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings have a 66.6 per cent home win record, while Mumbai Indians have won 62.5 per cent of their home matches.
The issue has again raised questions over whether IPL franchises should have greater control over pitch preparation to build a proper home advantage.
“If it has to be a consistent decision for all [then yes], but it should at least be where you know at least what to expect,” Badani said. “Here, we don’t know what the surface will do.”