Sawai Mansingh Stadium, commonly called SMS Stadium, is one of the most recognized cricket grounds in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Established in 1969 and named after Sawai Man Singh II, the former Maharaja of Jaipur, the stadium has hosted international cricket, World Cup matches, IPL games, and several memorable performances. It became the home ground of the Rajasthan Royals when the IPL began in 2008. The venue has hosted one Test match, 19 ODIs according to the Rajasthan Royals, and its only men’s T20I came in 2021. Current sources list its capacity differently, with figures around 24,000 to 30,000 depending on configuration. The stadium is also undergoing modernization, with expansion and spectator-facility upgrades planned as part of a larger redevelopment project.
A Ground Steeped in Royal History
Sawai Mansingh Stadium was established in 1969 and carries the name of Sawai Man Singh II, who was the last ruling Maharaja of Jaipur. Over the decades, the venue developed into an important cricketing centre in Rajasthan and became closely associated with major domestic and international matches. Its location in Jaipur also gives it a distinctive connection with the city’s sporting and royal heritage.
The stadium hosted its first ODI on October 2, 1983, when India played Pakistan and won by four wickets. Its only men’s Test match came in February 1987, also involving India and Pakistan, and the match ended in a draw. The venue later hosted matches during the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups and six matches during the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
| Stadium | Sawai Mansingh Stadium |
| Also known as | SMS Stadium / Jaipur Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Established | 1969 |
| Named after | Sawai Man Singh II |
| IPL home team | Rajasthan Royals |
| IPL association | Since 2008 |
| Approximate capacity | Around 24,000–30,000 |
| First ODI | India vs Pakistan, 1983 |
| Only Test | India vs Pakistan, 1987 |
| Only men’s T20I | India vs New Zealand, 2021 |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Main sport | Cricket |
Capacity figures vary among published sources. The Rajasthan Royals currently describe the seating capacity as nearly 24,000, while several cricket and IPL references list approximately 30,000 seats.
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The Renovation and Modernization of Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been receiving upgrades aimed at improving facilities for players and spectators. The Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan government have been involved in plans to modernize the venue, including work around the South Pavilion. Changes have also focused on creating a better match-day experience and improving viewing arrangements.
A 2025 report said the redevelopment plan included a proposed increase in capacity to 50,000 seats. It also mentioned expansion of the South Pavilion, conversion of the President Box into an open gallery, and discussions about adding another tier to the stadium. In 2026, Rajasthan officials continued reviewing renovation and preparation work ahead of IPL matches, showing that modernization remains an ongoing process rather than a completed project.
Some spectator-oriented improvements have already been introduced over recent seasons. The Rajasthan Royals have highlighted pink seating, newly built hospitality stands, renamed stands, and designated wheelchair-friendly seating as part of the upgraded experience.
Photos: Sawai Mansingh Stadium
The stadium has a recognizable appearance, with its large circular playing area, floodlights, spectator stands, and Rajasthan Royals branding during IPL matches. The venue is particularly colorful during IPL fixtures, when the stands and surrounding areas are often decorated in the Royals’ pink theme.
IPL and the Rajasthan Royals
Sawai Mansingh Stadium became the home of the Rajasthan Royals when the IPL started in 2008. The first IPL match at the venue was played on April 21, 2008, when Rajasthan Royals chased 166 against the then Kings XI Punjab and won by six wickets. Since then, Jaipur has become one of the team’s principal home venues.
The ground has witnessed several important IPL performances. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 113 in 2024 remains the highest individual IPL score at the venue, while Sohail Tanvir’s 6/14 against Chennai Super Kings in 2008 remains the best IPL bowling performance. In IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad made 229/5 while chasing 229 against Rajasthan Royals, establishing the venue’s current highest IPL team total.
Records and Statistics Table
| Record | Performance | Player/Team | Year |
| Highest ODI team total | 362/1 | India vs Australia | 2013 |
| Highest ODI individual score | 183* | MS Dhoni | 2005 |
| Highest IPL individual score | 113* | Virat Kohli | 2024 |
| Best IPL bowling | 6/14 | Sohail Tanvir | 2008 |
| Highest IPL team total | 229/5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2026 |
| Lowest IPL team total | 59 | Rajasthan Royals | 2023 |
| Only Test | India vs Pakistan | Draw | 1987 |
| Only men’s T20I | India vs New Zealand | India won by 5 wickets | 2021 |
The 362/1 ODI score was made by India against Australia in 2013, when India successfully chased Australia’s total. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka in 2005 remains the highest individual ODI score recorded at the stadium.
The IPL record book has continued to change. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 229/5 against Rajasthan Royals in April 2026 became the highest IPL team total at the ground, while the 59 all-out by Rajasthan Royals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2023 remains the lowest IPL total listed by the Rajasthan Royals’ pitch-report statistics.
Memorable Events at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
One of the most memorable international innings at Sawai Mansingh Stadium came in 2005, when MS Dhoni scored an unbeaten 183 against Sri Lanka. The innings became one of the defining ODI performances at the Jaipur venue and remains its highest individual ODI score.
Another famous occasion came in 2013, when India produced a remarkable chase against Australia. India scored 362/1, with Rohit Sharma making 141*, Shikhar Dhawan scoring 95, and Virat Kohli contributing a rapid century. The match became one of the highest-scoring ODI encounters held at the stadium.
The stadium has also been part of major international tournaments. It hosted matches during the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups and the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, adding to its long international cricket history.
Behavior of Pitch and Playing Conditions
The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium has generally offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. Conditions can vary from match to match, with batters benefiting when the surface is good and bowlers finding assistance when conditions slow down or provide grip. The large outfield is another notable feature of the Jaipur venue.
IPL statistics show a tendency toward successful chases. According to the Rajasthan Royals’ 2026 pitch report, teams batting second had won 42 of 65 IPL matches at the venue, compared with 23 wins for teams batting first. The same source lists an average first-innings score of 166.49 and an average of 8.39 runs per over across IPL matches.
| Pitch Statistic | Figure |
| IPL matches covered | 65 |
| Wins batting first | 23 |
| Wins batting second | 42 |
| Average first innings | 166.49 |
| Average runs per over | 8.39 |
| Highest IPL total | 229/5 |
| Lowest IPL total | 59 |
| 200+ IPL scores | 10 |
These figures suggest that chasing has historically been successful at the venue, although they should not be treated as a guarantee for future matches. Pitch preparation, weather, dew, team quality, and match conditions can all influence how the surface behaves.
Location: Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Sawai Mansingh Stadium is situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in the Lal Kothi area. The stadium is well connected to different parts of the city and is located near several well-known landmarks. Its central Jaipur location makes it accessible for both local supporters and visitors attending major cricket matches.
The Rajasthan Royals list Rambagh Circle and Nagar Nigam Lal Kothi among the nearby bus stops. Gandhinagar and Bais Godam are nearby railway stations, while Jaipur Junction also provides access to the stadium.
| Location Detail | Information |
| City | Jaipur |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Area | Lal Kothi |
| Nearby bus stops | Rambagh Circle, Nagar Nigam Lal Kothi |
| Nearby railway stations | Gandhinagar, Bais Godam |
| Major nearby landmark | Amar Jawan Jyoti |
Visiting Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Fans visiting Sawai Mansingh Stadium for an IPL match should plan their journey in advance because parking around the venue can be limited. Public transportation can be a practical option on busy match days. The stadium’s central location means visitors can also combine a cricket match with a trip around Jaipur.
The venue provides facilities such as sheltered seating, refreshment areas, and restroom facilities. Ticket holders should check the latest match-specific entry instructions because gates, security procedures, parking arrangements, and ticketing rules can change from one event to another.
Looking Ahead
The future of Sawai Mansingh Stadium is closely connected with the planned modernization of its infrastructure. The proposed redevelopment includes a potential expansion toward 50,000 seats, improvements to the South Pavilion, enhanced viewing areas, and additional spectator-focused facilities. These plans are intended to accommodate larger crowds and create a more modern match-day environment.
The venue also continues to remain important to Rajasthan Royals and Rajasthan cricket. Renovation and preparation work was still being reviewed ahead of the IPL 2026 season, indicating that the stadium’s development is continuing alongside its role as a major cricket venue.
Conclusion
Sawai Mansingh Stadium is an important part of Jaipur’s cricket history and one of the long-standing venues associated with the IPL. From its establishment in 1969 and international debut in 1983 to memorable performances by MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sohail Tanvir, and others, the stadium has produced many notable cricketing moments.
Today, the venue is best known as the home ground of Rajasthan Royals and continues to host high-profile matches. With modernization work and larger redevelopment plans in progress, Sawai Mansingh Stadium is also evolving to meet the requirements of modern cricket and spectators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Sawai Mansingh Stadium?
Sawai Mansingh Stadium is located in the Lal Kothi area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is a centrally located cricket venue and is accessible from Jaipur Junction as well as nearby railway stations such as Gandhinagar and Bais Godam.
Q2. What is the year of construction of Sawai Mansingh Stadium?
Sawai Mansingh Stadium was established in 1969. It was named after Sawai Man Singh II, the former Maharaja of Jaipur.
Q3. What is the capacity of the stadium?
Published capacity figures vary. The Rajasthan Royals currently describe the stadium as having nearly 24,000 seats, while other cricket references list approximately 30,000. A larger redevelopment plan has proposed increasing the capacity to 50,000 in the future.
Q4. Which IPL team uses Sawai Mansingh Stadium as their home ground?
Rajasthan Royals use Sawai Mansingh Stadium as their IPL home ground. The franchise has been associated with the venue since the beginning of the IPL in 2008.
Q5. Can Sawai Mansingh Stadium host a Test match?
Yes. Sawai Mansingh Stadium has hosted a Test match. India played Pakistan at the venue in February 1987, and the match ended in a draw. It remains the only men’s Test match played at the stadium.
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