Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 home games moved to Guwahati, sparking fan frustration.
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Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Home Venue Controversy
The franchise’s first match of the 2026 season was lost, and supporters in Jaipur expressed understandable disappointment.
The Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 schedule places the opening three home fixtures in Guwahati, forcing fans to travel more than 1,500 km from their traditional ground.
First‑Phase Matches in Guwahati
| Date (2026) | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 31 | Chennai Super Kings | Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati |
| April 3 | Mumbai Indians | Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati |
| April 6 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati |
These blockbuster clashes feature marquee players such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, all appearing away from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Reasons for Using Guwahati
- Election‑driven scheduling: State elections in Assam required a compact early‑phase block, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to approve the venue shift.
- Infrastructure concerns: Reports identified deficiencies at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, including seating capacity limits and pitch drainage issues.
- Historical secondary base: The franchise has previously operated a secondary base in Guwahati, and the current arrangement was justified by the team’s management as a logistical necessity.
Future Schedule and Fan Expectations
- The first phase comprises 20 matches, after which the remaining four home games are slated for Jaipur.
- Rajasthan supporters anticipate a return to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, describing it as the most deeply linked venue for the Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 identity.
- Ongoing dialogue between the franchise and the Rajasthan Cricket Association aims to resolve the dual‑venue perception and ensure a unified home‑ground experience.
Key Takeaways
- Venue shift: The opening three home matches of the Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 are in Guwahati, not Jaipur.
- Justifications: Election timing, stadium infrastructure, and prior secondary‑base usage drove the decision.
- Fan outlook: Supporters look forward to the final four games returning to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium to restore the team’s traditional home identity.
Quiz
| Question |
|---|
| Which three opponents do the Rajasthan Royals face in Guwahati during IPL 2026’s first phase? |
| What primary reason did the BCCI cite for approving the Guwahati venue shift? |
| Which stadium is slated to host the Rajasthan Royals’ remaining home games later in the season? |