Explained: Why RR are playing IPL 2026 matches vs CSK, MI & RCB in Guwahati instead of Jaipur

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to open their campaign of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The five-time champions didn’t have a great record against the Riyan Parag-led side in the last few seasons, including the defeat in the last edition at this very ground.

The encounter, however, will be played nearly 2000 kilometers away from the home ground of the Rajasthan Royals, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which is the actual home base of the Royals, but it won’t host any high-profile game for this edition, as all of them have been awarded to Guwahati.

Why Rajasthan Royals shifted key fixtures away from Jaipur

The Royals are playing all of their first three home games in the Capital city of the Indian state of Assam, which is situated in the Northeast region of the country, as the other game of the marquee fixtures against the event’s joint-most successful team, the Mumbai Indians, will be on April 07.

The Pink franchise will also face the defending champions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on April 10 at the same venue, as the ground has been blessed with three massive encounters. Since the IPL 2023, when the IPL returned to the home-and-away format after being in the bubble for three years, they have shared their home base in Assam.

In the 2008-winner marks this instance by playing three home games at the Barsapara Stadium. The franchise’s chairperson, Ranjit Barthakur, also comes from Assam.

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ntention of accumulating wealth by organising the IPL in Guwahati. Our aim is the socio-economic development of Assam and the Northeast through cricket. I believe that by nurturing cricket talent, we can contribute to the overall development of Assam and the Northeast in sports, economy, and rapid employment generation.” The RR chairperson revealed on Times Now.

“By breaking the barriers of talent and resources, we are moving forward and getting there. IPL has created an inspiring environment, and as it expands, our state will advance towards development.” Barthakur shed light.

Guwahati emerges as RR’s second home venue in IPL 2026

Guwahati has provided good infrastructure to the players, and the fans have come in huge numbers to create excitement among the players. Their current captain, Riyan Parag, also comes from Assam and leads the state in domestic cricket. 

Jaipur, meanwhile, will get to see the team in four games, as RR will host the Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 25), the Delhi Capitals (May 01), the Gujarat Titans (May 09), and the Lucknow Super Giants (May 19). RR is one of the three teams, along with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, to play in multiple venues.