As the IPL 2025 season resumes, weather conditions could prove to be a major hurdle, with forecasts predicting heavy rain during the much-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening.
According to AccuWeather, there is a significant chance of thunderstorms beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into the evening—precisely around match time. The likelihood of precipitation stands at 49%, 63%, and 71% in successive updates, suggesting that the weather could potentially disrupt or even wash out the game.
Supporting this forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also predicts one or two spells of rain or thunderstorms in the evening, with a high probability of 78% precipitation. While these forecasts raise concerns, it’s worth noting that the Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with a world-class drainage system that enables rapid resumption of play once rainfall ceases.
On Friday, persistent showers in Bengaluru forced teams to adjust their training schedules. RCB held their session between 2 PM and 5 PM, while KKR took the field for a shorter stint from 5 PM to 6:30 PM.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat emphasized the importance of staying composed amid uncertainty.
“You can’t control the weather on game day. What matters is that the players remain calm and clear-headed. Whether rain affects the game or not, our approach doesn’t change—we trust our players to adapt,” he said.
For KKR, however, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the match is abandoned due to rain, the defending champions’ playoff hopes will be officially extinguished. With just two matches remaining and 11 points on the board, their maximum attainable total of 15 points would not be enough to secure a playoff berth.
This wouldn’t be the first time weather has hindered KKR’s campaign—an earlier fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens was also washed out. Meanwhile, RCB, despite a previous rain-affected loss to PBKS in a 14-over contest last month, still remain in strong contention for a playoff spot and even a top-two finish, depending on how the remaining games unfold.
As fans hope for a full game, all eyes remain on the skies above Bengaluru—a potential spoiler in what promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides.
