As cricket fans gear up for a historic IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, the excitement is tempered by an unwelcome guest: rain. Both teams, still chasing their maiden IPL title, are just one win away from glory. But with weather concerns looming large, there’s growing curiosity around what happens if the final doesn’t go as planned due to rain disruptions.
The high-stakes clash is set to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 3 (Tuesday). However, weather forecasts hint at possible showers during the evening, which could delay or even derail the contest. Given that the stadium already witnessed rain interruptions during Qualifier 2, both teams and fans remain on edge.
BCCI’s Plan B: Reserve Day in Place
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accounted for the unpredictability of weather by designating a reserve day for the final. Unlike the Eliminator and Qualifier rounds, which had no backup plan, the IPL 2025 final will shift to May 4 (Wednesday) if the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day.
This buffer offers some relief to organizers, players, and supporters alike, ensuring that the trophy isn’t decided without a contest. The rules also allow for the game to resume from where it was paused, should play be interrupted partway through.
What If Rain Wins on Both Days?
In the unfortunate scenario where rain washes out play on both the main day and the reserve day, the title will go to the team that finished higher in the league standings. In this case, Punjab Kings, who placed above RCB on the points table, will be crowned champions. That would mark their first-ever IPL title, leaving RCB still searching for a breakthrough.
This year’s final carries extra emotional weight, as neither RCB nor PBKS has ever lifted the trophy. RCB has suffered heartbreaks in 2009, 2011, and 2016 finals. Punjab, on the other hand, last reached the final in 2014 but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. Their clash in 2025 promises a new winner—if the rain allows.
Both teams enter the final in fine form. RCB dominated PBKS in Qualifier 1 with a commanding eight-wicket win, thanks to Philip Salt’s quickfire 56. Punjab overcame Mumbai Indians in a tight chase, led by Shreyas Iyer’s match-winning 87. Now, all eyes are on Ahmedabad skies to see if fate or rain decides the champion.
