![Rajasthan Royals [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778308896292_RajasthanRoyalsJaipurvenue.jpg?type=hq)
Rajasthan Royals [Source: AP]
The 2026 edition of the IPL has been embroiled in multiple controversies. While the access of unauthorised persons to the players' hotel rooms has been flagged, the BCCI has also made it mandatory for all teams to follow its newly formed eight-page guidelines.
Rajasthan Royals have been at the centre stage of several controversial incidents in the IPL 2026. From Riyan Parag's vaping case to team manager Romi Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout, the Royals have grabbed the attention for the wrong reasons.
As they steadily progress towards the IPL playoffs under Riyan Parag's leadership, the Royals have added another chapter to the IPL 2026 controversies, flagging their home venue- Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Royals' shambolic fielding vs SRH grab limelight
The IPL 2026 has undoubtedly witnessed several nail-biting fixtures. While the tournament has managed to keep the spectators on the edge of their seats through multiple twists and turns, poor fielding by players from several teams has built a negative reputation for the Indian league.
Shashank Singh, a key member of the Punjab Kings IPL 2026 setup, has grabbed the attention for dropping several easy catches in the tournament.
Also Read: Sawai Mansingh Stadium Pitch Report, Weather Report For RR vs GT, Match 52, IPL 2026
The act of dropping catches has become a norm in the IPL of late, with several players from various teams putting down easy chances.
The recent encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad saw multiple catches going down at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Statistically, seven catches were dropped throughout the match. While the Sunrisers players dropped three catches, the number increased to four during SRH's run chase.
Rajasthan Royals dropped four catches in the second half, allowing multiple lifelines to Abhishek Sharma. The swashbuckling batter capitalised on the missed chances and went on to score a match-winning fifty for his side.
RR coach Kumar Sangakkara flags Jaipur's floodlights
Reacting to the Royals' poor fielding, head coach Kumar Sangakkara put the blame on the newly installed LED lights at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The BCCI had installed new LED floodlights at the Jaipur-based cricketing venue ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The former Sri Lankan skipper reckoned that the brightness of the lights made it challenging for the RR players to catch the ball in the evening.
"I think they have done a great job with redoing the floodlights. They're LED lights, and then you know, they're quite different to what we are used to in other grounds. They are much brighter and give a larger amount of visibility. So we have been trying to see what the right adjustment is so that the fielders are comfortable and they don't lose the ball in the glare of the lights," Sangakkara said as quoted by the Times of India.
Sangakkara revealed that the Royals have discussed the matter with the ground authorities at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, asking them to strike a balance so that the brightness of the LED lights doesn't affect fielders taking catches in the evening.
“So we’ve spoken to the ground authorities and they have tried to lower or extend or change the direction of the lights. And in the second game, I think it was fine. It’s never easy when the lights are in a glare, but I think they have done a great for modern technology to have such good lighting,” he added.
RR to face Gujarat Titans in crucial clash
Having lost four of ten matches, Rajasthan Royals would be keen to get back on the winning track against the spirited Gujarat Titans.
They are currently placed fourth with 12 points, and a victory could potentially power them to the second spot in the IPL points table, currently led by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer vs Sanju Samson Captaincy Record Comparison: Who Should Replace Suryakumar Yadav?
