After being suspended due to military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL was set to resume yesterday (Saturday). However, unrelenting rain had other plans, forcing yet another halt—this time at the expense of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The much-anticipated match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium between hosts Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and KKR was abandoned without a ball being bowled, as heavy rain washed away any hopes of play. Each team was awarded one point, a result that brought joy for Bangalore but despair for Kolkata.
For KKR, it was a must-win match to keep their playoff hopes alive. The single point earned means their maximum possible tally now stands at 14, with only one match remaining. With three teams already above that mark and another tied at 14 with two matches left, Kolkata are officially out of playoff contention.
On the other hand, the additional point all but secured a playoff spot for Bangalore. Led by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, RCB now sit comfortably at the top of the table.
The day began with overcast skies in Bangalore. Rain started in the afternoon and caused the toss to be delayed. Although it stopped after an hour and a half, allowing ground staff to begin preparations, the downpour resumed just 15 minutes later. Eventually, at 10:50 PM local time, umpires officially abandoned the match.
This was also supposed to be Virat Kohli’s return to the field after announcing his retirement from Test cricket. Many fans had come wearing his iconic No. 18 Test jersey to honor him, only to leave disappointed due to the washout.
As it stands in the IPL table:
1st: Royal Challengers Bangalore – 17 points from 12 matches
2nd: Gujarat Titans – 16 points from 11 matches
3rd: Punjab Kings – 15 points from 11 matches
4th: Mumbai Indians – 14 points from 12 matches
5th: Delhi Capitals – 13 points from 11 matches
6th: Kolkata Knight Riders – 12 points from 13 matches (eliminated)
7th: Lucknow Super Giants – 10 points from 11 matches (still in contention)
The bottom three teams—Sunrisers Hyderabad (7 points from 11 matches), Rajasthan Royals (6 points from 12 matches), and Chennai Super Kings (6 points from 12 matches)—had already been eliminated earlier in the tournament.
UA / TDS
