After a two-year exile that left fans heartbroken and the franchise in limbo, Rajasthan Royals finally returned to the Indian Premier League stage. The wait ended on April 9, 2018, marking the start of a grueling 14-match league campaign in what became known as IPL 2018India.
It wasn't just about playing cricket again; it was about redemption. The team had been suspended following the 2013 betting scandal involving their owners, a dark chapter that saw them barred from competition alongside Chennai Super Kings. Now, back in the mix, the stakes were high. Every match mattered, every run counted, and the pressure was on to prove they belonged among the elite franchises once more.
The Road Back Begins in Hyderabad
The season kicked off with a bang on April 7, when defending champions Mumbai Indians faced Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai. But for Royals fans, the real clock started ticking two days later. On Monday, April 9, 2018, Rajasthan Royals traveled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
This wasn't just any away game. It was their reintroduction to the world. Starting at 8:00 PM local time, the match carried an electric atmosphere. The crowd in Hyderabad knew they were witnessing history—a team reborn after punishment. While the result would determine their points tally, the symbolic weight of stepping onto that pitch after 730 days of silence was immeasurable. They needed a win to send a message: we are back, and we mean business.
Home Sweet Home: The Jaipur Debut
If Hyderabad was the test of resilience, Jaipur was the celebration of return. Just two days later, on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, the Royals hosted Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at their home ground. The venue? The iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, a fortress known for its passionate support and tricky pitch conditions.
Walking out to bat or bowl under the lights of home is different. You feel the roar. For the Royals, this match against Delhi was crucial. It was their chance to harness the energy of their loyal fanbase, who had waited patiently through the suspension. The match, also scheduled for 8:00 PM, promised fireworks. In T20 cricket, home advantage can be the difference between a narrow escape and a comprehensive victory. Here, the Royals aimed to turn the stadium into a cauldron of noise and intimidation.
Navigating the League Stage Maze
The 2018 season featured eight teams, each playing 14 matches—seven home, seven away. That’s 56 league games in total before the playoffs began. For Rajasthan Royals, the schedule was a rollercoaster. They faced heavy hitters like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore multiple times.
Consider the density of the early calendar. Between April 7 and April 15, nearly every day saw a match somewhere in India. Kolkata played Bengaluru on April 8; Chennai took on Kolkata on April 10. By mid-April, the league was in full swing. Royals fans had to stay glued to the scoreboard, tracking not just their own team but the performance of rivals. Why? Because qualification for the top four depended on net run rate and head-to-head records. One loss could derail your entire season.
As May approached, the intensity ramped up. Matches were scheduled almost daily across venues like Mohali, Pune, and Mumbai. The Royals’ final league fixture came late in the cycle. On Saturday, May 19, 2018, they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 53. This wasn’t just another game; it was often a qualifier-decider. With only a few matches left, every point felt like gold dust. The air in the stadium was thick with tension. Would they make the cut? Or would another year slip away?
Playoffs and the Final Showdown
The league stage concluded with 56 matches, setting the stage for the knockout phase. The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, which began on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Qualifier 1 pitted the first-placed team against the second in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Eliminator on May 23 in Pune saw the third and fourth-placed teams battle for survival.
The winner of the Eliminator then faced the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on May 25 in Pune. Finally, the champion emerged from the Final on Sunday, May 27, 2018, back in Mumbai. For Rajasthan Royals, reaching this stage meant everything. It validated their comeback. Even if they didn’t lift the trophy, simply being in the conversation proved that the suspension hadn’t broken their spirit. The structure ensured drama until the last ball was bowled.
Why This Season Mattered
Looking back, the 2018 IPL season was pivotal for several reasons. First, it marked the end of the ban era for two major franchises. Second, it showcased the depth of talent in Indian T20 cricket. Third, it highlighted the commercial power of the league, sponsored by Vivo and broadcast globally.
For Rajasthan Royals, the schedule was a map of their journey. From the cautious optimism in Hyderabad to the fiery reception in Jaipur, and finally the nail-biting finish in May, each match told a story. The team didn’t just play games; they rebuilt trust. And while results vary, the effort to return strong resonated with fans everywhere. Cricket isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about belonging. In 2018, Rajasthan Royals reclaimed their place in the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rajasthan Royals return to the IPL?
Rajasthan Royals made their official return to the Indian Premier League on April 9, 2018, playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. This marked their re-entry after a two-year suspension imposed due to the 2013 betting scandal involving the team's owners.
Who was Rajasthan Royals' first opponent in IPL 2018?
Their first opponent was Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on April 9, 2018, starting at 8:00 PM local time. This away fixture served as the team's reintroduction to competitive T20 cricket after their hiatus.
Where did Rajasthan Royals play their home matches in 2018?
All home matches for Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 season were held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Their first home game of the season was against Delhi Daredevils on April 11, 2018, where they welcomed fans back after the long suspension period.
How many league matches did Rajasthan Royals play in IPL 2018?
Rajasthan Royals played a total of 14 league-stage matches during the 2018 IPL season. This included seven home games and seven away games against each of the other seven franchises, adhering to the standard double-round-robin format used in the tournament.
When was the IPL 2018 final held?
The IPL 2018 final was held on Sunday, May 27, 2018, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The playoff stage began earlier on May 22, with Qualifier 1, followed by the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, culminating in the championship match that determined the season's winner.