Royals’ Home Ground Shuffle Sparks Fierce Debate
The Rajasthan Royals have yet to step onto the pitch for a single match in the current season, but their off-field decisions are already commanding significant attention. The franchise’s controversial choice to stage its initial three home fixtures in Guwahati, rather than their traditional stronghold of Jaipur, has ignited a heated debate across the cricketing landscape. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has been particularly vocal, openly questioning the rationale behind this significant geographical shift.
Fans of the Rajasthan Royals are understandably frustrated, especially following the team’s opening-match loss. The early stages of Indian Premier League 2026 were set to feature a trifecta of blockbuster clashes against formidable opponents: the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. These high-profile encounters would typically inject a surge of energy and excitement into Jaipur. However, the decision to relocate these crucial games to Assam means that passionate Rajasthan supporters will have to endure a prolonged wait before their beloved team graces the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Aakash Chopra articulated his reservations on his YouTube channel, admitting he’s never fully grasped the franchise’s ongoing arrangement with Guwahati. He argued that the connection between the team and its identity as a representative of Rajasthan feels too tenuous to foster genuine fan engagement. Chopra posited that the current captain, Riyan Parag, who hails from Assam, should not be the sole determinant for hosting home games in a location situated far outside his home state. The sheer distance between Rajasthan and Guwahati, a staggering approximately 1,587 kilometres, underscores the unusual nature of this arrangement.
While Guwahati has served as a secondary home venue for the Rajasthan Royals in previous years, this season has seen an amplified public outcry. This heightened interest stems from the franchise’s decision to consolidate all three of its first-phase home games at this alternate venue. Reports indicate that the franchise management specifically requested an early grouping of matches at the Guwahati venue. This scheduling request necessitated adjustments due to the upcoming elections in Assam. The plan received approval from Devajit Saikia, the secretary for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, who has a personal connection to Assam, having grown up in the state.
The ramifications for Jaipur are significant. Preparations for hosting IPL games had already commenced in the city, and local supporters now find themselves missing out on some of the tournament’s most anticipated spectacles. The initial phase of the IPL 2026 will see cricketing titans such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya gracing the Guwahati turf instead of the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Underlying Tensions and Future Prospects
Adding another layer to this complex situation is the reportedly strained relationship between the Rajasthan Royals franchise and the Rajasthan Cricket Association. Multiple reports suggest that the franchise harboured a desire to relocate its primary home base due to perceived infrastructure deficiencies at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. However, following discussions with the state’s Chief Minister, the Rajasthan Royals ultimately agreed to host their four remaining home games in Jaipur.
The initial phase of the IPL schedule encompasses 20 matches, which now allows Jaipur to welcome the Royals for their upcoming fixtures. There is a strong sentiment among fans for the team’s remaining four home games to be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, a venue deeply intertwined with the team’s history and the heart of Rajasthan’s cricketing passion.
The Rajasthan Royals have commenced their IPL 2026 season amidst this persistent debate, which has now become an almost permanent fixture for the franchise. While Guwahati is officially designated as their secondary home ground, the current arrangement, with three out of seven home matches being played there, leads many to perceive it as their de facto permanent base. This dual identity creates a curious dynamic, with the organisation seemingly exhibiting characteristics of two distinct entities operating within the same corporate structure.
Rajasthan Royals Fixtures in IPL 2026 First Phase:
- Match 1: vs. Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati)
- Match 2: vs. Mumbai Indians (Guwahati)
- Match 3: vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Guwahati)
The move to Guwahati, while potentially driven by logistical considerations or a desire for broader reach, has undoubtedly created a disconnect for the core fanbase in Rajasthan. The franchise faces the challenge of balancing its operational needs with the emotional investment of its traditional supporters. The upcoming matches in Jaipur will be crucial in mending this relationship and reaffirming the team’s commitment to its home state. The long-term success of the Rajasthan Royals will likely depend on its ability to navigate these complex dynamics and foster a unified sense of belonging, regardless of where the matches are played.
