The Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their IPL 2026 journey on March 30 with a clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Stadium, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
This season marks a transition phase for the franchise, with Riyan Parag taking over the captaincy. He replaces Sanju Samson, who has moved to CSK.
Parag, coming off a breakthrough season in IPL 2024 where he scored over 500 runs, is expected to anchor the batting lineup while leading the side.
Key Squad Updates Ahead of IPL 2026
One of the biggest boosts for Rajasthan is the return of Ravindra Jadeja, who rejoins the franchise where he began his IPL career. His all-round abilities add depth to both batting and spin options, especially on Jaipur’s surfaces alongside Ravi Bishnoi.
However, the team has suffered an early setback with Sam Curran ruled out due to injury. He has been replaced by Dasun Shanaka, who is expected to contribute as a finisher and seam-bowling option.
RR IPL 2026: Full Schedule
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Rajasthan Royals will play 14 league matches, with their home games split between Guwahati and Jaipur.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 30 | RR vs CSK | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 4 | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| April 7 | RR vs MI | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 10 | RR vs RCB | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 13 | SRH vs RR | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
| April 19 | KKR vs RR | Kolkata | 3:30 PM |
| April 22 | LSG vs RR | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| April 25 | RR vs SRH | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| April 28 | PBKS vs RR | Mullanpur | 7:30 PM |
| May 1 | RR vs DC | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| May 9 | RR vs GT | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| May 17 | DC vs RR | Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| May 19 | RR vs LSG | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| May 24 | MI vs RR | Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
Home Venue Split: Guwahati to Jaipur
RR will begin their home leg in Guwahati before shifting to Jaipur from April 25 onwards at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Key fixtures against teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gujarat Titans could play a crucial role in their playoff push.
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
IPL 2026 matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India.
Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Subscription plans include:
- ₹79/month – 720p streaming
- ₹149/month – Full HD
- ₹299/month – 4K with Dolby audio
Unlike previous seasons, IPL 2026 is not free to stream, and users will require an active subscription. Select telecom plans from Jio, Airtel, and Vi may bundle access.
Final Take
Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2026 with a fresh leadership approach and a balanced squad. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, their performance in key fixtures will determine their playoff chances.
A strong start in Guwahati followed by consistent results in Jaipur could be crucial for their campaign.
FAQs
Q. When does Rajasthan Royals start IPL 2026?
A. March 30 against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati.
Q. Who is the captain of Rajasthan Royals in 2026?
A. Riyan Parag is leading the team this season.
