Lakshmi Niwas Mittal reaches SMS Stadium:Watches RR’s practice session with son; bought Rajasthan Royals for Rs 15,000 Cr

Mittal watches Royals practice session in Jaipur: New franchise owner discusses strategy, facilities and squad plans with management India’s steel baron Lakshmi Niwas Mittal on Friday arrived at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium to watch the Rajasthan Royals training session, marking his first major public appearance with the franchise after acquiring a controlling stake in the IPL side. Mittal was accompanied by his son as the two spent considerable time at the stadium closely observing the players during net practice. His presence immediately became the centre of attention for cricket fans, franchise officials and support staff inside the venue. Current Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale also joined them at the stadium. The trio stood in the Royal Box for a long time, watching the team go through intense drills ahead of the Gujarat Titans clash. . First see PHOTOS Manoj Badale briefs Mittal on operations During the visit, Badale was seen explaining the stadium’s facilities, match-day arrangements and team operations to Mittal. The discussion also revolved around the franchise’s structure, player combinations and long-term cricketing plans. Sources said Mittal took detailed inputs about: • Stadium infrastructure and spectator facilities
• Team management and operational setup
• Rajasthan Royals’ future business roadmap
• Practice arrangements and player preparation Mittal also interacted with members of the franchise management during the session. Special focus on players and strategy The industrialist was seen carefully tracking the players’ movement during the practice session. Rajasthan Royals cricketers continued their regular drills while Mittal watched from the Royal Box alongside team officials. He reportedly met captain Riyan Parag and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal during the visit. Mittal was also photographed greeting all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The visit was not seen as merely ceremonial. Team insiders described it as an early strategic review by the franchise’s new ownership group. ₹15,000 crore deal changes Royals landscape The Mittal family recently acquired a majority stake in Rajasthan Royals in a deal valued at nearly ₹15,600 crore, making it one of the biggest transactions in IPL history. Reports said the Mittal family would hold nearly 75% stake in the franchise, while Adar Poonawalla would own around 18%. Key points of the ownership deal: • Franchise valuation estimated at $1.65 billion
• Mittal family becomes majority stakeholder
• Manoj Badale continues with the franchise
• Deal includes Barbados Royals and Paarl Royals The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals. Royals gear up for Gujarat Titans clash Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on May 9, and preparations inside the camp have intensified ahead of the crucial fixture. Players were seen sweating it out in the nets as coaching staff monitored preparations closely. Mittal’s arrival added fresh energy and curiosity around the training session, with many at the stadium treating it as a signal of aggressive future planning by the franchise. Visit seen as message for future direction Mittal’s detailed inspection of the stadium, players and operations is being viewed as more than a routine visit. Those tracking the development believe the new ownership wants deeper involvement in both cricketing and commercial decisions. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium visit also underlined how seriously the new investors are approaching the Rajasthan Royals project. In the final moments of the session, Mittal continued discussions with officials while players wrapped up practice under lights — offering perhaps the clearest sign yet that Rajasthan Royals may be entering a new era, both on and off the field.