RCB set for ‘home’ matches away from home

Royal Challengers Bengaluru may not be playing in their own backyard next season, but they could still find themselves calling Pune their home. From the Garden City’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to the educational hub known as the Oxford of the East, Pune has emerged as the frontrunner to host RCB’s “home” fixtures when the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins early next year.

“Yes, we have approached the people concerned, and the Gahunje stadium is being considered as the home venue for the defending champions,” Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Kamlesh Pisal told Olympics Web on Wednesday.

“We have a strong fan base here in Pune, and I’m sure supporters will be excited to watch RCB play as a unit here,” he added, stressing that the team spirit, not geography, defines a home match. While discussions are underway, the arrangement is not yet final. “They have an issue in Karnataka following the recent stampede, so they are evaluating alternative venues. We’ve offered our stadium, and if all goes well, Pune will host their matches,” Pisal said.

Pune, which first hosted an IPL game in April 2012 (Pune Warriors vs Kings XI Punjab), could once again become the temporary home for a team known for feeding off crowd energy, no matter the city.

Meanwhile, off the field, RCB is on the verge of a major transition. Diageo, the current owner of both the IPL and WPL teams, has officially initiated the franchise’s sale process and expects it to conclude by March 31, 2026.

The interest is already building. Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla has publicly expressed enthusiasm, calling RCB a “great opportunity” at the right valuation. He may team up with a US-based investment firm for a joint bid. The Adani Group—previously in the running for the Ahmedabad franchise in 2021—and Jindal’s JSW Group are also evaluating bids.

If JSW proceeds, it would first have to divest its 50% stake in the Delhi Capitals. Other potential bidders include a US-based private equity firm, Ravi Jaipuria, and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, as Diageo works with banks to streamline the valuation process.

Where RCB plays may change. Who owns them may change. But the team’s identity, built on a loyal fan base and a collective spirit, will be what carries them, whether in Bengaluru or in a new “home” adopted together.