Rajasthan Royals to Kick Off IPL 2026 in Guwahati Against Chennai Super Kings
Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2026 Opener
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are gearing up for their inaugural match in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at Barspara Stadium in Guwahati on March 30, facing off against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have clinched the title five times. Although this match takes place nearly 2,000 kilometers from their home base in Jaipur, it is considered a 'home game' for the franchise. The Royals will actually host their first three home matches in Assam's capital, with the other two significant games scheduled against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 7 and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10. This means the Royals will compete against the tournament's so-called 'big three' in Guwahati.
Reasons Behind Rajasthan Royals' Home Games in Guwahati
Since the IPL resumed its traditional home-and-away format in 2023 after a three-year period of playing in a bubble due to the pandemic, the Royals have been splitting their home games between Guwahati and Jaipur. In the last three seasons, they played two home matches at Barsapara Stadium. The 2026 season marks the first time they will play three home games in Assam. The franchise's ownership has strong connections to the region, with RR's chairperson, Ranjit Barthakur, being an Assamese native. Barthakur stated, 'Our goal is not to profit from hosting the IPL in Guwahati but to foster socio-economic growth in Assam and the Northeast through cricket. By developing cricket talent, we aim to enhance the overall progress of Assam and the Northeast in sports, economy, and job creation. The IPL has fostered an inspiring atmosphere, and as it grows, our state will also advance.' Additionally, the newly appointed captain of the Royals, Riyan Parag, is also from Assam and leads the state in domestic cricket.
Fans in Jaipur will still have the opportunity to watch the team play four matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, including games against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25, Delhi Capitals on May 1, Gujarat Titans on May 9, and Lucknow Super Giants on May 19. The Royals are among three teams this year playing home games across multiple venues, alongside RCB (Bengaluru, Raipur) and Punjab Kings (Mullanpur, Dharamshala).