Ashwin-inspired RR breached CSK's Chepauk fortress. ©BCCI/IPL
No 'home' fortress
One of the distinct things about IPL 2023 was the return of the home-away format after Covid-enforced restrictions in the last three instalments. In a league where equal purse ensures equitable spread of talent, every win comes at a premium and more often than not, one win is what separates a side making it to or missing out on the Playoffs. In such a scenario, it is imperative for every side to make their home ground a fortress and maximise as many wins as possible from the seven league games there. This season, none of the sides have been invincible at home, with each of the ten teams losing at least one game at home. Away teams have won 16 of the first 28 matches this IPL and 13 of the last 17. The most notable of those being CSK getting beaten at Chepauk for the first time in a decade by an active IPL franchise not named Mumbai Indians.
Impact Subs a boon for weaker bowling lineups
One of the
