Ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against the Gujarat Titans, the Rajasthan Royals received a major boost off the field as new franchise owner Lakshmi N. Mittal visited the team during a practice session at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The visit quickly grabbed attention across social media after videos surfaced of Mittal interacting warmly with several Rajasthan Royals players and support staff.
The billionaire businessman was seen spending considerable time speaking with captain Riyan Parag and star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the Royals’ must-win fixture. Mittal also met senior members of the support staff and shared a brief interaction with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during the training session.
The Mittal Family, led by Lakshmi N. Mittal and Aditya Mittal, recently entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Rajasthan Royals in a blockbuster deal reportedly valued at nearly USD 1.65 billion (approximately ₹15,660 crore). The takeover is being completed in partnership with Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India.
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The acquisition reportedly includes the Royals’ global cricket ecosystem, featuring the IPL franchise alongside Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League. Once the transaction is finalised, expected in the third quarter of 2026, the Mittal Family will hold a 75 percent controlling stake in the franchise.
THE NEW OWNERS OF RR.👍
– Lakshmi Mittal interacted with Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside other players of RR. pic.twitter.com/BJ3DBYntiP
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) May 8, 2026
Adar Poonawalla is expected to own around 18 per cent, while the remaining shares will stay with existing stakeholders, including current lead investor Manoj Badale.
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On the field, Rajasthan Royals remain firmly in the IPL 2026 playoff race despite a mixed run of form in recent matches. After a dominant start to the season, the inaugural IPL champions have struggled for consistency over the last few games. However, they still occupy fourth place on the points table with 12 points.
A victory against the Gujarat Titans could push the Rajasthan Royals into second place and significantly strengthen their chances of securing a playoff berth.
