‘It doesn’t make sense’ – Former India batter slams decision to schedule Rajasthan Royals’ initial home games in Guwahati

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has hit out hard on the schedule for IPL 2025 tournament on his YouTube channel. The 47-year-old was left stunned after 2008 IPL winners Rajasthan Royals’ initial home games were awarded to Guwahati. Sanju Samson and his men begin their season away to Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

The first home match for the Royals is set to be against Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. This will be followed by Chennai Super Kings visiting Guwahati to play the Royals in their third game of the season. The former IPL Champions then head to Jaipur after their match in Ahmedabad to host RCB. 

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “Three teams, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, have alternate venues, and I start wondering why you do that. Rajasthan are starting their campaign with away matches. They don't win in Guwahati. I think they have won one out of four games.”

Also read: IPL 2025 Schedule: Kolkata Knight Riders to kick off season with match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, complete details revealed

Former India batter left confused with schedule and venues

During his YouTube show, the former India star also added, “So why are you going there at the start? By the time you come to Jaipur, it would be April 13. Twenty-odd days would have passed and you wouldn't have come to your home. People in Jaipur don't know when their team will play in Rajasthan. It doesn't make sense." 

Aakash Chopra also was left wondering about the venues allotted to Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. It is to be noted that Delhi will play their home games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as well as in Vizag. Punjab on the other hand will play in Chandigarh before moving to Dharamshala. 

“Delhi are also starting with Vizag. They have performed decently in Vizag, but the same question that is there for Rajasthan applies to Delhi as well. Punjab are in a different boat altogether. Three of their last four matches are home games, and all three are in Dharamsala," said Aakash Chopra. 

The 47-year-old ended by saying, “You don't have a very good record there in any case. When you go to play your first match there, the Lucknow Super Giants will be there in front of you. So both teams will know the conditions equally well. How is that home conditions as you would have done all your preparations for Mullanpur?"