IPL 2026: After RCB’s first-ever title win, safety concerns could force a new home ground. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will always be remembered for a historic moment – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the trophy after 18 long years. But what should have been a season of pure joy quickly turned into heartbreak. During the victory celebrations in Bengaluru, a stampede left 11 people dead and many others injured.
The tragic incident has now raised serious safety concerns. Authorities, along with the RCB management, are rethinking whether the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium should continue to be their home base. To add to this, Women’s ODI World Cup matches that were supposed to take place in Bengaluru have already been shifted to Mumbai.
This means RCB might have no choice but to look for a new home ground starting from IPL 2026. Here are three stadiums that could be strong alternatives.
IPL 2026: 3 Venues RCB Could Use As Home Ground
1. VCA Stadium, Nagpur
The Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur is one of the top contenders. Located on the city’s southern edge, it’s widely praised for its world-class facilities, spacious seating, and excellent pitch quality. Even the International Cricket Council (ICC) has spoken highly of the venue.
It has hosted several international matches and is known for being well-organized and safe for fans. Plus, there’s a local connection – RCB’s vice-captain Jitesh Sharma is from Nagpur, and the VCA is his home ground. That bond could make the stadium even more special if RCB decides to move here.
2. Holkar Stadium, Indore
Another option is Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium, located in New Palasia. The ground has a touch of history, being named after the Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Empire. It has also hosted both international matches and IPL games over the years.
Read More
For RCB, this stadium carries extra sentimental value. Their captain, Rajat Patidar, belongs to Indore. A move here would not just give the team a modern, well-equipped ground but also help the franchise connect with the city’s passionate cricket fans.
3. Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
The brand-new Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara is also worth considering. Built on the outskirts of the city, it naturally avoids heavy crowding, making fan access safer and more controlled.
This venue also ties back to RCB’s fairytale win in 2025. Krunal Pandya, who plays domestic cricket for Baroda, was named Player of the Match in the IPL final. With its modern facilities and a calmer environment compared to inner-city stadiums, Kotambi could give RCB a safe and fresh start.
Meanwhile, if RCB does move, it’ll mark a big change in the franchise’s identity. But after what happened, safety will understandably be the top priority. And whichever ground they choose, fans will be hoping it becomes the stage for many more RCB victories in the years to come.
ALSO READ: UAE Squad For Asia Cup 2025 Announced
