IPL 2026: Why will RCB play two matches in Raipur despite Chinnaswamy Stadium's clearance?
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Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur will be the second home venue for RCB in IPL 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their trophy drought when Rajat Patidar led the team to lift the trophy in the previous edition. That ended the long wait for this franchise and their fans. But now the challenge will be even bigger, as they will have to defend their title in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The tournament, as per earlier schedule, will be held between March 26 and May 31. Ten teams will feature in 84 matches, including four playoff games. Each team will play seven home games, and RCB are set to play their home matches at two different venues.
After the go-ahead by the Karnataka state government, RCB are ready to make a comeback at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Notably, there was a hold on cricket activities at this venue after the stampede in June, which cost 11 lives.
There was doubt about the availability of a venue for the IPL 2026. But the approval from the state government cleared all the confusion, and the action will return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
IPL 2026: Why are RCB playing their two home matches in Raipur?
RCB will be playing their home matches at two different venues. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is the home venue for the defending champion, will host five of the seven home games for the franchise. Meanwhile, two games will be held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
The cricket venue in Raipur is not new at hosting an IPL game. It hosted six home games for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during the 2016 edition. The last IPL game played at this venue featured RCB, where Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 54 earned him a Player of the Match award.
Playing home games at two different venues is not new in the IPL. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) also had this moment in the last edition, where they played home matches at two different venues.
For RCB, two home games in Raipur will fulfil the initial commitments made when there was a confusion at Chinnaswamy Stadium hosting matches in the IPL 2026. On January 13, Rajesh Menon, RCB CEO, confirmed that Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium will be their temporary home venue for two games.
The schedule for the IPL 2026 is yet to be announced. It is expected to be revealed later this week. The RCB fans will be hoping that their team can replicate the success they had in 2025 and win another title, after the women’s team won the recently concluded WPL 2026.
Which is the second home venue for RCB in the IPL 2026?
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is the second home venue for RCB, which will host two games in the IPL 2026.
Who won IPL 2025?
RCB won IPL 2025 under Rajat Patidar.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.