The high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is under a weather cloud, with heavy rainfall forecast threatening to disrupt the match scheduled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
According to Accuweather, thunderstorms are expected to lash the city from Saturday afternoon through the evening. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also indicated the likelihood of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers in the evening. The wet weather has already impacted team preparations on match eve.
Anticipating rain, RCB opted for an earlier practice window from 2 PM to 5 PM, a move team director Mo Bobat said was made in response to the uncertain weather. KKR, meanwhile, began their session at 5 PM and wrapped up by 6:30 PM. Both teams managed to complete their practice sessions before rain began around 9:30 PM on Friday, which continued for over four hours — similar to the downpour experienced on Thursday night.
The weather adds an extra layer of tension, especially for KKR, who find themselves in a must-win situation. With 11 points and two games remaining, a washout would leave them with a maximum of 14 points, which is unlikely to secure a playoff spot. KKR has already had one match abandoned earlier in the season against Punjab Kings.
RCB, on the other hand, are in a stronger position. Even if the match is rained out, they remain in contention for a playoff berth and potentially a top-two finish. Bengaluru has already hosted a rain-shortened fixture this season — the RCB vs Punjab Kings clash, which was reduced to 14 overs per side.
Despite the forecast, there is hope for play thanks to the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s advanced drainage system, which can clear water quickly and resume matches shortly after rain stops.
“When you get to game day, you can’t control it,” said Mo Bobat. “So, actually you want your players to feel as clear and relaxed as possible. You trust them to make decisions in the moment, regardless of what happens. If the game’s rain-affected, it’s rain-affected — it’s not something we can control.”
The looming rain threat also casts a shadow on other upcoming fixtures. Bengaluru is set to host another match on May 23 (RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad), while Mumbai, which has also seen unseasonal rainfall, will host Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals on May 21.
Looking further ahead, the playoffs could also be impacted. Kolkata is scheduled to host Qualifier 2 and the final, with the latter slated for June 3. While monsoons typically arrive in Kolkata in early June, the risk of weather interference remains.
As the league stage nears its conclusion, teams and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on the skies — with hopes that the weather doesn’t play spoilsport in what promises to be a thrilling finish to the season.
