Rajasthan Royals (RR) will play their IPL 2026 home matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, marking the end of their long association with Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, at least for the upcoming season.
Known as the ‘SMS’ ground, Rajasthan hosted 67 matches there, winning a handsome 43 of those. In last five years, however, the returns diminished as RR won just six of their last 15 games while losing the other nine.
New IPL 2026 venue for RR
According to RevSportz, the decision was taken after the Jaipur venue failed to comply with updated evacuation and safety norms. With no clear timeline on when those issues would be addressed, the Royals moved quickly to secure an alternative base, and Pune emerged as the most practical option.
The Royals’ operations team had been in Pune last month to inspect the MCA Stadium, reviewing pitch conditions, seating capacity, player facilities, hotel availability and travel logistics. Those discussions have now translated into a formal arrangement, with Pune set to host the majority of Rajasthan’s home fixtures in IPL 2026. As in the last two seasons, Guwahati will continue as the franchise’s secondary home venue, where RR are expected to play three matches.
The MCA Stadium is no stranger to the IPL. It was the home ground for the Rising Pune SuperGiants (RPSG) for IPL 2016 and IPL 2017. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) famously adopted the ground as their temporary home in 2018, a season that ended with the franchise lifting the trophy. Rajasthan will hope the Pune switch brings similar fortune.
Interestingly, the stadium was also in advanced talks with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) earlier this year. RCB were exploring backup options after M Chinnaswamy Stadium faced serious uncertainty following safety and security concerns raised by the Karnataka government and local authorities after the unfortunate stampede episode. However, those negotiations never materialised, allowing Rajasthan to close the deal.
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune – IPL stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Match | 08/04/2012 |
| Last T20 Match | 14/05/2022 |
| Matches Played | 51 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 28 (54.90%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 23 (45.10%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 106 Shane Watson (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals – 2018 |
| Best Bowling | 4/10 Lungi Ngidi (CSK) vs PBKS – 2018 |
| Highest Team Innings | 211/4 (CSK) vs DC – 2018 |
| Lowest Team Innings | 73 (PBKS) v RPSG – 2017 |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 196/7 (GL) v RPSG – 2016 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 25.39 |
| Average Score Batting First | 162.37 |
With Pune now locked in and Guwahati retained as a secondary venue, Rajasthan Royals have clarity on their 2026 base. However, they are yet to name a captain for the IPL 2026. Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag are touted as frontrunners in the leadership race. However, the additions of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have made things interesting.
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