Why Jaipur’s new LED floodlights may be causing dropped catches in IPL 2026: RR’s Kumar Sangakkara explains originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- RR’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium’s new LED floodlights are causing fielding difficulties for players.
- Stronger glare disrupts catching, with players struggling to adjust quickly.
- Coach Kumar Sangakkara confirms ground authorities made lighting adjustments after feedback.
Rajasthan Royals’ home ground under scanner as new LED lights trouble fielders
Rajasthan Royals’ fortress in Jaipur is at the centre of an unexpected controversy, as during their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a string of dropped catches drew attention to a new problem, which is the stadium’s brand-new floodlights.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium had new LED floodlights fitted just ahead of the 2026 IPL season. It should have been a straightforward upgrade with brighter lights and better visibility. But the reality is different.
Players have been caught off guard by the intensity of the new LED bulbs. The stronger glare has made it difficult for fielders to track the ball, which has led to a string of dropped chances.
It is worth noting that until last year, the SMS Stadium had one of the weakest lighting setups among all IPL venues. The new installation has pushed the maximum lux level up to 3500.
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What did Kumar Sangakkara say about the floodlight controversy?
Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed the issue with considerable honesty. He was clear that the upgrade itself is a positive step for the stadium, but acknowledged that the transition has not been seamless for his players.
“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.
Sangakkara revealed the club took the matter up with the ground authorities promptly, requesting changes to the direction and positioning of the lights. He confirmed that the modifications made ahead of the second game at the venue made a noticeable difference.
“So we’ve spoken to the ground authorities and they have tried to lower or extend or change the direction of the lights,” he said.
“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 job with the ability to adjust that as well, so it’s great for modern technology to have such good lighting.”
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The Cricket News Opinion: Growing pains are inevitable, but the intent is right
Upgrading a stadium’s infrastructure is always going to create some friction. Fielders who have spent years judging high catches under softer floodlights will naturally take time to recalibrate.
But the bigger picture here is encouraging, as the SMS Stadium was overdue for this kind of modernisation.
Other international venues that have made similar transitions in recent years have experienced comparable teething troubles, and Jaipur appears no different. The fact that adjustments were made swiftly suggests the stadium management has been responsive.
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