For the first time in the history of the IPL, the cricketing community gears up to crown a new champion. Both PBKS and RCB are on the cusp of creating history. This is RCB's fourth appearance in the IPL final and the first since the 2016 edition. On the other hand, PBKS have only managed to make it to the final on two occasions, once in 2014 and once in the ongoing edition. 

While the world waits in anticipation to crown a new IPL champion, the rain threat looms large over Ahmedabad, and there is a possibility that the IPL 2025 Final may be severely compromised due to rain. The second Qualifier between PBKS and MI was also hit by rain. But thankfully, due to the extended extra time, the game commenced more than two hours past its original start time, and no overs were lost.

See also: IPL 2025: Is Tim David going to play in PBKS vs RCB clash?

Rain threatens to spoil the party in Ahmedabad

Prior to the buildup to the mega final, the weather department of Ahmedabad issued a very crucial weather update. According to Arunkumar Dasane, the director of the Ahmedabad weather department, there could be scattered showers with moderate intensity during the twilight period. The weather is likely to remain cloudy for the most part.

"Our forecast for tomorrow indicates light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas, particularly for Ahmedabad and nearby regions. The temperature in Ahmedabad is expected to be around 37 degrees, with a high likelihood of cloudy skies."

The IPL 2025 Final was originally scheduled to be hosted in Kolkata. But with the advent of the monsoon season, the city tends to receive heavy rainfall. So as a precautionary measure, the decision was made to shit the final to Ahmedabad. But the rain threat continues to linger on. Previously, the start of the second Qualifier was delayed on June 1. Two days later, the possibility of a delayed start or a rain interruption still stands high.

What happens if the final gets washed out?

The threat of rain seems real, but the possibility of a washout seems very slim. With around two hours of extra time and a 35% chance of rain expected on match day, we anticipate seeing a result. But should the unimaginable happen, BCCI has arranged a reserve day, and the final will be moved to June 4. But if the reserve day gets washed out, then PBKS, who finished at the top during the league stage, will qualify, and RCB will go home empty-handed. 

We are ready for the IPL 2025 as Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (KKR vs RCB) will face each other in the tournament opener on Saturday (March 22) evening at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the weather forecast is a big concern for the cricket fans. 

IPL 2025 opener set with grand opening ceremony before the KKR vs RCB match

Defending champions KKR is ready to host RCB in the first game of the IPL 2025. This match has been scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM local time. Before the match, there is also a grand opening ceremony where the KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan will start the ceremony, and the Bollywood singer Shreya Ghosal, Bollywood actress Disha Patani, and Punjabi singer Karan Aujla will also perform along with a state-of-the-art Anamorphic Projection between 6:10 PM and almost 6:45 PM. Just before the toss, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and captains will officially start the tournament following a celebration, fireworks, and photo shoot. 

See Also: IPL 18 Opening Ceremony: A Grand Celebration Minute by Minute

Orange alert for the IPL 2025 opener

All the plans are set, but the rain forecast is threatening all the plans for the IPL 2025 opener. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an "orange alert" for Friday and Saturday (March 21 and 22) in several districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata. There is a threat of thunder squalls, gusty winds, lightning, hail, and moderate rainfall. 

Kolkata has been experiencing light and moderate rainfall since Friday

Kolkata experienced light and moderate rainfall on Friday, and also early Saturday. Although the present moment sees a good sunny condition, the weather forecast suggests a significant light to moderate rain threat on Saturday evening in Kolkata, mostly between 6 PM and 10 PM. 

Eden Garden has powerful management to fight against weather

While Eden Gardens has a strong drainage system and the strong ability to cover the stadium properly, the light to moderate rain threat isn't actually a big issue. If the weather gets clear, the stadium management doesn't take much time to make the ground available for the game. However, the rain forecast can hamper the opening ceremony plan massively.  

The league stage of the IPL can be extended for an hour. If a match can't be available to run for a minimum of five overs in each innings, it ends with no result where both teams earn one point each. 

The much-anticipated IPL 2024 final between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is set against an intriguing backdrop of weather concerns and pitch conditions. Chennai, the venue for this grand showdown, experienced a cloudy yet rain-free morning in the lead-up to the match.

However, the excitement was briefly tempered by a sharp spell of rain on Saturday evening, which disrupted KKR’s training session and raised fears about the final being affected. As of 1 PM on Sunday, the rain threat diminished, with only a 4% chance of precipitation, according to Accuweather.

Provision for Reserve Day

If weather conditions prevent the completion of the final on Sunday, IPL organizers have wisely included a provision for a reserve day. This contingency plan ensures the match can be concluded, provided the team batting second has played at least five overs to achieve a decisive result. This rule aims to avoid the scenario where rain leaves the final inconclusive and maintains the integrity of the competition.

See Also: First batch of Indian Team leaves for USA ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Reflecting on the 2023 IPL final, where rain delays pushed the match into a reserve day, offers a sense of preparedness for any weather-related disruptions this year. In that memorable game, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) triumphed over the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling finish.

Pitch Conditions and Preparations

The pitch for the IPL 2024 final has been a topic of keen interest, given its potential influence on the match outcome. The red-soil strip selected for the final was previously used in CSK’s match against Punjab Kings on May 1. During that encounter, spinners Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar emerged as game-changers, combining to take 4 for 33 in eight overs and significantly restricting CSK’s total. This historical performance suggests that spin could play a pivotal role in the final, adding an extra layer of strategy for both teams.

KKR’s Training Session Disruption

The unexpected rain on Saturday evening disrupted KKR’s final preparations, forcing the team to adjust their training schedule. Such interruptions can impact the team’s rhythm and readiness.

SRH’s Journey to the Final

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s path to the final has been marked by impressive performances, particularly in Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals. SRH’s victory on a turning black-soil pitch, where they anticipated dew but managed to navigate its absence, showcased their adaptability and resilience.