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 a three matches.
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 |
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