IPL 2026: What happens if RCB vs GT final is washed out? Know all the rules
Ahmedabad, May 31
The 19th season of the Indian Premier League 2026 is coming to an end as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will clash with 2022 winners Gujarat Titans in the summit clash here at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
With the stakes so high for a blockbuster clash, the fans would want an uninterrupted contest between the two most brilliant sides of the season. However, the question arises: what will happen if rain interrupts or washes out the final between RCB and GT?
Fortunately, unlike other knockout matches, the IPL Final has a reserve day available. If the match cannot be completed on Day 1 due to rain or other interruption, then the play will be resumed the next day from where it left off on Sunday.
It is very unlikely that the match cannot be completed on the reserve day also, but if it happens, then it will be a winning situation for RCB as they will be crowned IPL champions for the second time by virtue of their top spot in the league stage standings.
The Rajat Patidar-led side finished the league stage in first place with 18 points from 14 matches (NRR of +0.783), whereas Shubman Gill and Co. finished in second place with the same number of points, and only the Net Run Rate separating the two teams. Gujarat Titans finished with an NRR of +0.695.
According to Accuweather, the weather forecast in Ahmedabad looks favourable, with little indication that rain will significantly disrupt the match. There is a 2 per cent chance of precipitation on Sunday evening, while it is expected to be sunny for most of the day as well.
Ironically, according to ESPNCricinfo, Rain and thunderstorms delayed GT's arrival back home following their win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday. The squad landed in Ahmedabad close to 11pm on Saturday night after inclement weather in north-western India led to the temporary closure of runways in Chandigarh, which the team was flying out of, delaying or diverting several flights.
RCB are aiming to become only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend the title, while the Gujarat Titans are chasing their second championship.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a die-hard GT fan, this rule makes me nervous! 😰 We finished second only because of NRR, and now RCB gets the trophy if rain washes out the final? That's a bit unfair honestly. They should have a super over to decide it, even on the reserve day. But I guess rules are rules. Hoping for clear skies and a cracker of a match! 🏏
RCB fans finally have something to smile about after last year's final! 😂 But honestly, I think the rule is perfectly logical - the team that topped the league stage deserves the advantage. Both sides have 18 points, but RCB's NRR was superior throughout the season. However, I'd rather see both teams battle it out on the field. Let's hope the rain gods are kind! 🙏
Coming from the US, I'm impressed by how passionate Indian fans are about IPL! The rules here seem quite well-thought-out for the final. A reserve day is standard in most sports, and the league-stage advantage makes sense. However, I'm curious - wouldn't a shortened overs match be better than awarding the trophy based on league standings? Still, excited to watch my first IPL final live! 🏏
Honestly, I wish BCCI would adopt a proper reserve day system for all knockout matches, not just the final. Remember the 2022 final between Rajasthan and Gujarat? We had a reserve day even then. But for qualifiers and eliminators, there's no such provision which is unfair. Anyway, hoping RCB wins fair and square - Ee Sala Cup Namde! 💪🔥
K Kavya N