DUBAI: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Harshal Patel says playing at neutral venues will take away the advantage of exploiting home conditions and adapting to different pitches at different venues on consistent basis will be a challenge for all the teams at this year’s IPL.
Moved out of India due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the upcoming edition of the world’s biggest T20 league will be held in the three venues of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the UAE.
“I think every situation comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Having neutral venues will take away that home advantage for sure, so it’s going to be challenging for teams because you can’t rely on one brand of the wicket,” Patel said.
The 29-year-old said the teams will not have the liberty to curate the pitches according to their strengths.
“We have seen in the past that teams like to prepare spin-friendly pitches when they have a spin-heavy squad and that enables them to win that way.”
“But when you are playing on a neutral venue, you don’t have that advantage. I think it’s going to be very interesting to see how teams take up this challenge. I believe that skill is going to play a huge part than any other thing on these pitches.”
With the tournament being long and weather certain to be challenging, Patel said how players conserve energy in the blistering heat will be vital.
“I think the heat is going to play a huge part, especially in the afternoon games, so we will need to sit down with our trainers and physio to make sure we are preparing well in order to tackle those challenges of playing in almost 42-43 degrees.
“It is important to conserve energy, especially in training to make sure you have plenty in reserve. If you are doing well in matches, and are feeling good, there has been talk in our group that you shouldn’t train too much then.”
The right-arm seamer was forced to leave the tournament after playing just two games due to a fracture in his right hand last year. (AGENCIES)
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