Rajasthan Royals (RR) haven’t even taken the field in IPL 2026, but they are already at the centre of a debate. It is not about team combinations or form, but about where they are playing. The franchise’s decision to host their first set of home games in Guwahati instead of Jaipur hasn’t gone down well with many, especially with fans in Rajasthan missing out on marquee clashes early in the season.
Matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), usually the biggest draws, will all be played in Assam. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who himself spent three years at RR, didn’t hold back while sharing his view on the move.
“That’s not fair”: Ashwin questions split-home approach
“They have not been playing at one venue, and that is just not fair,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel, cutting straight to the point. He wasn’t dismissing the logic entirely. Riyan Parag leading the side, local support in Assam, bigger reach — all valid.
“I know Riyan Parag is the captain and he will get support in Assam; I understand all that,” he added. “But if you want to play, play the entire season there.”
That’s really the crux. It’s not about Guwahati getting games. It’s about Jaipur losing them and RR not being able to make a home fortress.
Ashwin even brought up his own time with Punjab Kings. “I was the captain of Punjab Kings when we had to play a few matches in Indore, and that is a huge factor. I know there is gate collection and fan support. RR have a lovely brand and an ecosystem; it is close to my heart because I enjoyed that team environment.”
Why are Rajasthan Royals playing in Guwahati?
Rajasthan Royals have long used Guwahati as a secondary base, but this year the issue has gained more attention because all three home fixtures in the first phase have been moved there. Reports suggest the scheduling was influenced by elections in Assam and a request from the franchise management to cluster those games early in the season at the alternate venue. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who is from Assam, is said to have approved the proposal.
Jaipur had already been preparing for IPL matches, and local fans now find themselves missing out on some of the biggest attractions in the tournament. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are all expected to feature in Guwahati instead of Jaipur during this opening stretch.
Having said that, the relationship between RR and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) isn’t the best one. There were solid reports that stated that Rajasthan were looking to change their home venue, as they felt that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium lacked appropriate infrastructure on many fronts. In fact, RR agreed to play their four home games in Jaipur only after a meeting with the Rajasthan CM.
Rajasthan Royals fixtures in IPL 2026 first phase
| Date | Day | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Mar | Monday | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 4 Apr | Saturday | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 7 Apr | Tuesday | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 10 Apr | Friday | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
Cricket
Where does Rishabh Pant fit into Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI for IPL 2026?
