Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a fresh debate about India’s so-called home advantage in Test cricket, following the recent two-match series against the West Indies. Despite playing in Ahmedabad and New Delhi, Ashwin argued that the sheer number of venues across India dilutes the home benefit for the team.

With India scheduled to host South Africa in Kolkata and Guwahati later this year, he stressed that unfamiliar conditions at less-regular Test venues can effectively make home matches feel like away games. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that when India plays at grounds not frequently used for red-ball cricket, players struggle to gauge pitch behaviour and conditions accurately.

“In Guwahati, when you play South Africa, maybe India will play well and trouble South Africa. But just because it’s part of India, it doesn’t automatically become a home game. I see it as an away game within India,” he said, highlighting the challenges posed by the country’s vast geographical diversity.

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Ashwin urged the BCCI to establish standard Test centres, similar to those in countries like Australia, England, and South Africa. “India needs standard Test centres. When we tour South Africa, most Tests are scheduled at Centurion or Wanderers. The opposition chooses venues that suit their strengths. In India, playing across multiple grounds doesn’t always feel like a home game,” he added.

India’s pitch variety is indeed vast: Mohali and Eden Gardens traditionally favour pacers, Ahmedabad and Chennai are spin-friendly. At the same time, Vizag and Dharamsala provide balanced conditions that test both batters and bowlers. While this variety exposes players to different challenges, Ashwin believes consistent home venues are crucial to maximising India’s advantage.

Long before Ashwin’s comments, former captain Virat Kohli had advocated for fixed Test centres. Kohli highlighted the benefits of predictable venues, both for player preparation and spectator engagement.

During India’s Test series against West Indies, low attendance at the Ahmedabad Test reinforced Kohli’s argument. “We should have a maximum of five dedicated Test centres. Visiting teams should know the venues and the pitch conditions in advance. It also helps build atmosphere and support for the game,” Virat Kohli said in 2019.

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Both Ashwin and Kohli’s insights underline a broader conversation about modernising Indian Test cricket. Establishing permanent Test hubs could not only optimise home advantage but also improve player readiness, crowd engagement, and overall competitiveness in international matches. With India hosting diverse opponents in the coming months, the debate over fixed Test venues is poised to intensify.