The Indian Premier League (IPL) defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have finally found a new homeground ahead of the upcoming 19th season.
Unfortunately, the Rajat Patidar-led side will not get a single match to play at their homeground, the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, this IPL 2026.
The stampede incident marked an end to the franchise’s collaboration with Chinnaswamy Stadium since the league’s inaugural season in 2008.
However, for the forthcoming edition, RCB is reported to play its home matches at two venues. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur is likely to be the frontrunner to host Bengaluru’s matches. While DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will serve as the secondary hosting venue.
Why RCB’s Home Matches Will Be Shifted Out of Bengaluru?
After winning the previous season’s IPL trophy, RCB’s victory parade celebration at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium turned out to be a stampede tragedy on June 04, 2025. The most famous stadium in Bengaluru has cast a dark shadow over the venue, following the death of 11 people and multiple injuries to others present there.
Since then, no key events or international fixtures have been hosted at this stadium due to safety concerns. Moreover, the Women’s World Cup 2025 matches were relocated from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai.
Following the investigations, the Karnataka government accepted that the event was organized without any conventional operating procedure. While the government and the RCB also announced compensation for the affected families, the wounds of the stampede would remain in fans’ hearts forever.
There are heated debates and questions surrounding the suitability of hosting large-scale events at Chinnaswamy, including the World Cup, Women’s Premier League, and Indian Premier League.
Will RCB’s Iconic Home Venue Host IPL Again?
As per the latest reports, RCB is unlikely to consider hosting its home matches of IPL 2026 in Bengaluru. The reigning champions haven’t yet been involved in any discussions with the Karnataka State Association Stadium (KSCA).
Even though other stadiums emerge as the strongest contenders to host RCB’s matches, it is a painful departure for RCB and the franchise’s fans. Especially, the people in Bengaluru will miss out on seeing Virat Kohli’s memorable performances at home.
Notably, Kohli’s fixture for the Delhi Vijay Hazare Trophy against Andhra Pradesh last December was shifted from Chinnaswamy to the BCCI Centre of Excellence at the last minute.
Insiders’ Reports Give Big Hint About RCB’s Home Venues
One of the closest sources to The Times of India (TOI) revealed a big update about the two key hosting venues for RCB’s home matches in IPL 2026:
“Definitely! RCB are now all set to play five games in Navi Mumbai, while the remaining two will be played in Raipur. The RCB officials are reported to have confirmed the agreement after the recent meetings with the corresponding officials,” the source was quoted as stating to the TOI.
Raipur and Navi Mumbai: Suitable Hosting Venues for RCB
Previously, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has hosted notable international fixtures as well as several IPL matches. Furthermore, the superior infrastructure and the easy accessibility for local viewers make the venue a strong contender.
On the other side, Raipur has also been a tough competitor over the past few years, having hosted some reputable international matches and the top-tier IPL matches.
While reports claim Raipur and Navi Mumbai to be the favorites, Indore is yet another fierce contender in the race for hosting RCB’s home fixtures in IPL 2026.
KSCA’s Confident Statement to Host RCB’s IPL 2026 Matches
Despite the stampede incident, added with the increased chances of Raipur and Navi Mumbai to host RCB’s matches, the KSCA declared a confident statement.
The reports provided by Revsportz add a new twist to the tale, with KSCA officials waiting for the Karnataka Government’s official approval to organize RCB’s IPL 2026 matches at Chinnaswamy. Here is what the latest report read:
“Certainly! We are confident enough to host international matches. It means IPL matches can also be conducted, particularly RCB’s home matches,” the KSCA’s closest sources to Revsportz told.
Also Read: India Cricket Team Full Schedule 2026: Complete Tour Dates Revealed
Final Opinion: What Does the Temporary Shift Mean for RCB?
An unexpected shift will see the Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing its home matches in two different cities for the forthcoming season. However, the ardent fans will be heartbroken to miss out on the live action of their favorite IPL franchise on the home turf.
On the other side, the unbeaten track record of the Royal Challengers at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur might come to an end, having won their sole IPL fixture at this venue.
Considering the operational and logistical factors, staging RCB’s matches away from Bengaluru will eliminate the security concerns, with Raipur and Navi Mumbai likely to be confirmed as the franchise’s base venues.
Most importantly, this move guarantees to organize the matches smoothly without getting involved in unnecessary controversy.
