In a dramatic turn of events, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were officially knocked out of IPL 2025 after their crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was washed out due to persistent rain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. The match didn’t even reach the toss stage, as rain poured down relentlessly, forcing a no-result.
This washout marked a disappointing end to KKR’s campaign, raising their points tally to 12 from 13 games—insufficient to stay alive in the playoff race. Their final group-stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) now serves as little more than a formality.
RCB Rise, KKR Fall
While the weather ended KKR’s hopes of defending their crown, it helped RCB rise to the top of the IPL 2025 points table with 17 points from 12 games, pushing past Gujarat Titans (16 from 11) and Punjab Kings (15 from 11). Both Gujarat and Punjab still have a game in hand and could leapfrog back into contention for the top spot.
For RCB, the rain-affected result means breathing room in a tightly contested playoff battle. With two matches remaining, they not only have a shot at the playoffs but could also finish in the top two — securing the much-coveted extra playoff chance.
IPL 2025’s Interrupted Rhythm
This season has been anything but smooth. The IPL 2025 campaign resumed recently after a temporary suspension prompted by escalated India-Pakistan border tensions. The break led to a reshuffled fixture list — and with it, fresh complications.
Several overseas stars have departed due to international commitments or personal reasons, impacting squad strength across franchises. On top of that, unpredictable weather continues to loom large, threatening to derail crucial matches as teams jostle for playoff spots.
Bengaluru has already seen multiple rain-hit games this season, including a shortened match against Punjab Kings. Now, with another fixture scheduled at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 23 (RCB vs SRH), weather watchers remain on high alert.
Mumbai hasn’t been spared either. The city, currently experiencing unseasonal showers, is scheduled to host a high-stakes encounter between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21 — a match that could play a pivotal role in deciding playoff qualification.
Kohli’s Farewell Overshadowed by Rain
Saturday’s fixture was expected to be more than just a match — it was a symbolic occasion for fans of Virat Kohli, marking his first public appearance since his shock announcement of retirement from Test cricket on May 12.
In a heartwarming tribute, RCB fans turned up in droves wearing white T-shirts to honor the cricketing legend, ready to cheer him in what was supposed to be an emotional evening. Despite the grim weather forecast and no play, fans refused to leave, staying seated in soaked stands to salute their hero.
Kohli’s retirement announcement had come during the mid-season pause and stunned the cricketing fraternity. The rain may have stopped play, but it couldn’t wash away the emotions in the air.
