IPL 2022: Introducing the Grounds and the Pitch Nature for the Tournament

IPL 2022: Pitches in Mumbai Generally have a Red-Soil base while those around Mumbai and in other parts of the country go with the traditional black soil. To put it simply, red soil pitches are known to get dry and crumble faster than the black soil pitches. The nature of red soil also allows more grass to remain on the pitch than usual, allowing the pitch to break up less.

With the entire league stage taking place in four grounds, considerable wear and tear is expected as pitches get slower towards the end of IPL 2022. There are already a number of questions regarding pitch nature and dew, and such questions can only be answered as the tournament progresses. For now, here is an introduction to the four stadiums in use.

Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The Wankhede stadium uses a traditional red sand base, and is one of the flattest pitches in India. The ground is tiny as well, making it a ground full of runs. Aesthetically, it is one of the better looking grounds, but for bowlers it is tough. There is a chance for some early swing and the powerplay is a crucial part for bowlers in IPL 2022.

Beyond the powerplay, and with dew, things become easier for batters. Spin bowling is a little tough at the ground, and wrist-spin traditionally has more success at the stadium. The pacers though may have some assistance with encouraging bounce on offer. Win the toss and bat second is the best option as chasing teams have a strong record here.

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

The Brabourne Stadium last hosted a T20 back in 2015, and is in use as much as before. With brief numbers available, history suggests batting first is a better bet at the ground. The boundaries are also longer at the Brabourne Stadium, and steep bounce off the pitch is a critical factor in IPL 2022. The pitch will start taking turn as the tournament progresses, and with large boundaries, the bowlers will benefit in this stadium.

DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

The DY Patil Stadium hasn’t hosted an IPL game since 2011. It was once the home of the Deccan Chargers in 2010, and also hosted an IPL Finals, due to political issues in Hyderabad. The boundaries are big, but the pitch nature is uncertain as there has been very little cricket played on the ground and after eleven years, IPL 2022 will finally witness the stadium.

MCA Stadium, Pune

Pune is a stadium used regularly both in the IPL and international circuit. It was also a makeshift home for the Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and continues to be an important stadium in the IPL. The boundaries are small in the stadium, and the pitch is flat, although the surface is known to dry out and take turns as the season progresses.

Unlike the stadiums in Mumbai, Pune has a lot of scope for spinners. Spinners come into play early at Pune in IPL 2022, and they have a good record due to the nature of the black soil surfaces.