IPL 2026: Royals' First 3 Matches Shift to Guwahati; Jaipur's SMS Stadium Empty Despite Renovation

• Rajasthan Royals' first three IPL 2026 matches against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians are shifted from Jaipur to Guwahati.
• Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, undergoing a 20 crore rupee renovation by Rajasthan Sports Council and RCA, will remain empty for these matches.
• The stadium is being upgraded with 18,000 old chairs replaced, 4,000 new ones installed, and floodlights/electrical systems brought to international standards.
• Royals management proposed Guwahati as the venue, possibly to promote new captain Riyan Parag, who hails from Assam, in his home region.
• Jaipur fans hope the remaining 4 matches of the second phase will be held at SMS Stadium after renovation completion, featuring teams like Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings.