Focusing on Home Ground Advantage and Local Fan Support with the Old-Format IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is returning to its traditional home and away format after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the league returning to its old format, home ground advantage and local fan support are set to play a crucial role for the teams. Certain teams have converted their home venues into fortresses by using factors such as better knowledge of the pitch, ground dimensions, and a settled combination to their advantage. The introduction of the ‘Impact Player’ rule will also add an interesting element to different playing conditions at different venues. The support of local fans has also been a vital thing for teams during the cricket carnival. The presence of fans not only helps franchises commercially, it also gives cricketers that extra motivation to perform. With the tournament set to begin in a week, different fan clubs are already creating buzz on social media, so one can imagine the atmosphere in the stadia once the tournament gets underway. With few innovations, home ground advantage, and local fan support, India is ready to witness the biggest cricketing festival over the next two months in different parts of the country.