RR franchise acquired by US-based businessman, Kal Somani. (Photo Credits: ANI)
RR IPL 2026 Schedule: The inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals (RR), are back to claim the throne. As the BCCI officially unveils the first leg of the IPL 2026 schedule, the Pink City’s representatives are set to begin their campaign with a heavy emphasis on their “second home.” Due to the staggered release of the schedule—a strategy used to accommodate national logistics—fans now have clarity on the Royals’ first four high-stakes encounters.
The standout fixture of the first phase is undoubtedly the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Mark your calendars for March 30, 2026 as Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former sides.
In a move to continue expanding the game’s footprint in Northeast India, RR will host the five-time champions at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati. This Monday night blockbuster is scheduled for a 7:30 PM IST start. With the local favorite and newly appointed captain Riyan Parag leading the side, the atmosphere in Guwahati is expected to be electric as they face the yellow brigade.
The Royals will play three of their first four matches in Guwahati, making it a crucial period for them to secure early points before heading into a more travel-heavy second phase.
| Match No. | Opponent | Venue | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 3 | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 30 March 2026 | 7:30 PM IST |
| Match 9 | Gujarat Titans | Ahmedabad | 4 April 2026 | 7:30 PM IST |
| Match 13 | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati | 7 April 2026 | 7:30 PM IST |
| Match 16 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati | 10 April 2026 | 7:30 PM IST |
With three home games in Guwahati, RR has a massive opportunity to build early momentum. The pitch at Barsapara historically favors high-scoring games, which suits the Royals’ explosive top order. The only away game in this phase is a trip to Ahmedabad to face the Gujarat Titans on April 4. The Saturday night clash at the world’s largest cricket stadium will be the first major test of RR’s bowling depth on a different surface. Unlike some teams juggling afternoon and evening starts, all of RR’s first-phase matches are night games (7:30 PM IST). This consistency helps the players maintain a steady recovery and preparation routine.
The focus for the Royals this year is clear: capitalize on the home advantage early. With a balanced squad and the leadership of a “local boy” in the Northeast, RR looks ready to paint the 2026 season pink.
Debayan Bhattacharyya is a seasoned sports journalist and digital media professional, currently serving as the Chief Sub Editor at ITV Digital (NewsX). A true Football-Fanatic Bong, his professional journey began at Zee Media, where he kicked off his career as a Sub-Editor for the sports team at India.com and CricketCountry. His ability to blend insightful analysis with rapid-fire news delivery soon led him to Times Network, where he served as a Senior Copy Editor for Times Now. Before his current role at NewsX, Debayan spent a significant tenure at OneIndia’s MyKhel as a Senior Sub Editor.
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