Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Schedule: RR to open season against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati

The long-awaited roadmap for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League was officially announced on Wednesday, sparking a fresh wave of cricketing fever across the country. While the celebrations for the "Men in Blue" continue, the focus now shifts to the "Pink City" as the Rajasthan Royals prepare for another quest in IPL 2026.

As per the first phase of the schedule released by the BCCI, the Rajasthan Royals will kick off their season with a high-profile home stand in Guwahati. Their confirmed fixtures for the opening leg are as follows:

• RR vs CSK – March 30, 2026 (Monday), Evening – Guwahati
• GT vs RR – April 4, 2026 (Saturday), Evening – Ahmedabad
• RR vs MI – April 7, 2026 (Tuesday), Evening – Guwahati
• RR vs RCB – April 10, 2026 (Friday), Evening – Guwahati

The BCCI has confirmed that the 2026 season will officially commence on March 28, 2026.

Also Read | Indian Premier League 2026 Schedule: RCB vs SRH to open season as BCCI unveils first phase; check full match list

In keeping with a strategy used in previous high-stakes years, the governing body is releasing the schedule in two distinct phases.

This staggered approach is a tactical necessity to align the tournament with the upcoming state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. By waiting for the Election Commission to finalize polling dates, the BCCI ensures that matches, particularly those at the Royals' secondary home in Guwahati, can be conducted with maximum security and logistical efficiency.

Rajasthan Royals' previous IPL campaign

The Rajasthan Royals enter this year’s tournament with a determination to rewrite their narrative after a testing 2025 season.

Last year, the inaugural champions faced significant challenges in finding consistent rhythm, eventually finishing the league stage in ninth place.

Also Read | RCB IPL 2026 Schedule: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to face SRH in season opener; check full fixtures

Despite the underwhelming team standings, the campaign was not without its silver linings. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rise as one of the world's premier openers, finishing the season with 559 runs.

Additionally, the franchise witnessed the emergence of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made headlines as a prodigiously talented middle-order prospect. The struggles of 2025 have served as a catalyst for a proactive off-season, during which the management prioritized strengthening the squad's depth.

The franchise’s commitment to its core identity is evident in its retention list, which emphasizes a blend of seasoned campaigners and explosive young talent.

Leading the retained list is the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose recent contributions to India’s World Cup triumph have further elevated his status.

He is joined by the versatile Riyan Parag and the reliable Dhruv Jurel, both of whom have been pillars of the Royals' middle order.

On the bowling front, the team has kept hold of the express pace of Jofra Archer and the swing expertise of Sandeep Sharma.

Furthermore, the Royals have significantly bolstered their arsenal through strategic moves, including the acquisition of the legendary Ravindra Jadeja and England’s Sam Curran.