Follow UsDharamsala is all set to become the 13th venue of IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings playing their last three home games at this picturesque venue against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The scenic beauty adds a new flavour to the game, making it one of the most beautiful grounds to host IPL games.
This venue has not been consistently utilised, as PBKS did not use this venue between 2014 and 2022. They returned to Dharamsala in 2023, hosting the last two home games for PBKS in both the 2023 and 2024 edition. The teams have chosen to field after winning the toss in all four games. However, the result has been opposite, as three of the four games have been won by teams batting first. The average first innings score of 202 gives an idea of the games being a run fest.
Pacers have gotten far more wickets than spinners at this venue, averaging five wickets per innings. They have a good bowling SR of 16.5 compared to 21.3 of the spinners. However, in pursuit of wickets, the pacers have been very expensive, going at 10 run per over.
Pacers have been expensive across all three phases, going over nine runs per over. Their bowling average is terrible in the powerplay, going at 41.1. It gradually reduces to 17.8 by slog overs as they have dominated the wickets column in this phase.
Pacers have found equal help irrespective of bowling first or second. The spinners have had contrasting returns as they have been expensive and wicketless while bowling first, striking at 39 compared to taking 10 wickets at 14.2 bowling SR while defending targets.
Punjab Kings have hosted games at this venue between 2010 and 2013, and then since 2023. They have played 13 games, managing to win only five of them. Delhi Capitals, who will play at this venue on 8th May, have won two and lost two games against PBKS here. MI lost the only time they played here back in 2013, and LSG will be playing here for the first time today.
Looking into the matches that have happened in Dharamsala, it is surprising that PBKS have not won a game here since 2013, as they have both games in 2023 and 2024 seasons. Like RCB, MI and others who have ended their winning drought in some notable venues like Chennai and Jaipur in IPL 2025. PBKS will be looking to end their winless run at one of their home grounds in the upcoming three games in IPL 2025.