Is Pune Going To Be RCB's New Home Ground For IPL 2026 ? If Not Then Which Stadium?

It is now anticipated that the Rajasthan Royals will continue to use Jaipur as their home base for the 2026 Indian Premier League, but only if the city can meet the fundamentals before the first ball is bowled. The franchise's desired outcome has changed back toward remaining put after weeks of uncertainty and exploratory talks with other states, with the readiness of Sawai Mansingh Stadium emerging as the deciding factor.

IPL Set To Start From March 26

The Rajasthan Royals have a straightforward stance: home is home, but not at the expense of a mediocre matchday performance. The clock is already loud enough to be heard from SMS's highest levels, with the season set to start on March 26 and run until May 31. This gives the stadium about a month and a half to get ready.

Jaipur To Become as Main Ground Of Rajasthan Royals

According to Cricbuzz, infrastructure, not sentiment, is the main issue. The franchise wants the amenities and facilities at the venue upgraded as soon as possible. Jaipur will continue to be the anchor if the improvements proceed as planned. Pune remains the backup plan if they fail, and the Maharashtra Cricket Association has already been contacted as a backup.

A political nudge is also present in the backdrop. According to the article, the Rajasthan government has intervened because it is opposed to the "Rajasthan" in Rajasthan Royals playing their home games somewhere else. It is said that the BCCI also urged the team to consider remaining in Jaipur instead of starting again.

RR to Have a Backup Plan Too

The Jaipur idea is unlikely to be a full-season monopoly, even if it is approved. In order to maintain the multi-venue strategy the Royals have been using, the anticipated split is four of the seven home games in Jaipur and the remaining three in Guwahati.

MI Deniying DY Patil as RCB's New Ground

Although the Mumbai Indians have denied rejecting Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it is thought that they suggested that RCB consider other cities before attempting to use DY Patil Stadium. According to the source, RCB has already made plans to play some games at Raipur due to uncertainties surrounding the availability of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The other sites in the mix are Indore, Raipur, Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, and Thiruvananthapuram.

State Elections Affecting IPL 2026

The fact that the IPL schedule is only anticipated once the dates of the state elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengalhave been declared highlights how the league's planning now follows the national calendar.

The main conclusion is well-known: IPL home advantage is becoming more and more dependent on practical considerations rather than sentimentality. As long as the stadium is prepared when the league shows up, Jaipur remains the address for Rajasthan.