Here's why RR is playing home games at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, instead of Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur

Rajasthan Royals have started the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League with a dominating performance in their first game of the season. They thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by a massive 72-run margin in their opening game.

And now, they are all set to lock horns with Punjab Kings in their second game of the season at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. That game will take place shortly on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. However, one thing that has surprised some of the fans is that RR will play their first two home games at Barsapara Cricket Stadium instead of Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

So why is RR playing home games in Guwahati when their home ground is in Jaipur? Notably, Barsapara Cricket Stadium was scheduled to host a few matches in the 2020 edition of the IPL. But it couldn't happen because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since this season is played in a home-and-away format, the Jaipur-based franchise has opted to play a couple of games in Guwahati as their second home venue. The first game here will take place on Wednesday against Shikhar Dhawan and his men.

The second home game for RR at his venue will be played on Saturday, April 8 against the Delhi Capitals. As per reports, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium can host a crowd of 40,000 at one time and has previously hosted three T20 internationals. However, this ground has a history of giving the chasing team an extra advantage due to excess due.

On the other hand, RR will return to Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur with a match against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 19. Apart from LSG, the Sanju Samson-led RR will face CSK, GT, SRH, and RCB in Jaipur. Notably, Rajasthan is not the only franchise with two home venues in 2023; Punjab Kings are also scheduled to play their first five games at PCA Stadium in Mohali, while the remaining two home games will be played at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.