RCB vs MI: Why Are Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing Today’s IPL Home Match In Raipur Instead Of Bengaluru?

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru host the Mumbai Indians at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur for match 54 of the Indian Premier League 2026. But why Raipur? Instead of RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Rajat Patidar-led side are playing two of their home matches in the capital of Chhattisgarh for several reasons. Check them below.

Why Are RCB Playing In Raipur Today Instead Of Bengaluru?

At the start of the IPL 2026 season, RCB confirmed a split-venue plan for their seven scheduled home games. While five matches were designated for Bengaluruthe remaining two were moved to Raipur. The reason behind the decision is the Chinnaswamy stampede that took place last year in the RCB victory parade that claimed 11 lives.

This led to an immediate hold on all major cricket activities at the stadium while the Karnataka government and the High Court launched a massive safety review for Chinnaswamy.

Ahead of the season, there was a doubt about whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium would be cleared in time for fan attendance. Fearing a total lockout in Bengaluru, the RCB management and the BCCI began looking for an alternative home venue. Raipur was selected due to its massive 65,000-seat capacity and the fact that it hadn’t hosted an IPL game since 2016, making it a fresh market for the league.

To secure a backup plan, RCB entered into a formal prior commitment with the Chhattisgarh government and local authorities to host a minimum of two matches in Raipur.

However, just weeks before the season opener, the Karnataka state government and police officially gave the go-ahead for the return of cricket to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This followed a INR 7 crore safety overhaul.

However, even though the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was eventually cleared for five matches, RCB had to honor the initial legal and logistical commitments made to Raipur when the situation in Bengaluru was still in crisis. Hence, the team’s final two home games, today’s clash against Mumbai Indians and the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders, were officially moved to Chhattisgarh.

When Was The Last Time Raipur Hosted An IPL Match?

Before today’s match, the last time Raipur hosted an IPL fixture was May 22, 2016. Ironically, that match also featured Royal Challengers Bengaluruwho were facing the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in a do-or-die final league game of the season.

Raipur served as a second home for the Delhi franchise for several years before the long hiatus. The last time the Raipur crowd saw an IPL game, they witnessed a vintage performance from Virat Kohli. In that must-win match, Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 54 runs to lead RCB to a 6-wicket victory, securing their spot in the playoffs.

RCB vs MI Match – Preview

Currently placed 4th in the points table with 12 points, the defending champions RCB are looking to snap a two-match losing streak and boost their playoff hopes. On the other hand, the 9th-placed Mumbai Indians are in a desperate do-or-die situation; with only 6 points, they must win every remaining game to stay mathematically alive. The return of Rohit Sharma, who recently blasted an 84-ball masterpiece, has reignited MI’s hopes, but they face a formidable Bengaluru side that defeated them by 18 runs earlier this season at the Wankhede.

RCB vs MI Raipur Pitch Report:

The surface at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium is historically known for its balanced nature, but the large boundaries often give spinners and clever pace bowlers the upper hand.

The new ball might offer some movement, but once settled, it is a paradise for stroke-play. Expect high-quality spin to be the deciding factor. The large outfield makes it difficult to clear the ropes consistently.

RCB vs MI IPL 2026 Match Details: