The IPL 2025 season has reached a climactic peak with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to clash in the highly anticipated final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3. The two sides are chasing their maiden IPL title, and the game is already full of emotion and passion. But the threat of rain looming over Ahmedabad has raised eyebrows among fans, players, and organizers as well.
While cricket has traditionally been a game very much at the mercy of the weather, the IPL authorities have ensured that this high-stakes finale is played to a conclusive conclusion. But what if incessant rain disrupts the match? Is there a reserve day? What if it rains on both days? Let’s dissect everything you need to know.
Reserve Day Provision: The Safety Net
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council have foreseen rain interrupting the final. Therefore, a reserve day has been scheduled for the IPL 2025 final. In case rain stops the game from being completed on the initial date (June 3), the match will resume or begin afresh on the next day, June 4, at the same location.
As per tournament regulations, the reserve day will have the same starting time and playing conditions as the actual day. If even a couple of overs are played on June 3 but the match is not possible to be concluded, it will be resumed on the following day from the same position. If no play is feasible at all on the actual day, a whole match will be tried on the reserve day depending on the weather.
What If It Rains on the Reserve Day as Well?
In the remote but conceivable situation that rain ruins play on both the main final day and the reserve day, the IPL has a backup to decide a winner. If there is no possible result after the reserve day is employed, the IPL 2025 final winner will be determined according to the league stage team standings.
Presently, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were placed above Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the league points table. That implies that if the last game cannot be held on either of the two days because of rain, PBKS will be the IPL 2025 champions. This provision makes sure that the team with a superior performance during the league season gets rewarded if an untimely washout situation materializes.
Weather Forecast for Ahmedabad
As per the weather forecast now, light evening showers in Ahmedabad are likely on June 3. The rain will be sporadic and so mild that it won’t lead to a total washout. The Narendra Modi Stadium is well equipped with drainage facilities, and match officials are optimistic that the final can be either played in full or as a curtailed match if the situation arises.
Nevertheless, the availability of the reserve day provides both the teams and viewers some consolation. Rain break is never welcome in high-pressure matches, but with adequate standby arrangements in place, the IPL is ready to come up with a result.
Meaning of the Final
This IPL final is historic for both teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is in their fourth IPL final. Though they have had superstar-studded teams in the past with players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and now Faf du Plessis, the team has never won the trophy. This year, their consistent efforts and strong playoff finish have once again raised hopes of ending the title dry spell.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), in contrast, are appearing in an IPL final for the first time since 2014. Endowed with their underdog mentality, PBKS tend to play hard-hitting cricket but have been inconsistent. This season, with new management and a well-balanced team, they’ve caused many surprises by making it to the final and finishing above RCB on the table.
Given the stakes, neither team nor their fans want weather to play spoilsport in such a historic encounter.
Rules for a Shortened Match
Rain delay in beginning or halting the match on either day causes the IPL to adopt the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) to modify targets in a shortened game. At least five overs per side need to be bowled for a valid result to be announced for a match. This is a reduction from the normal 20 overs, which has been adopted in order to permit ease in case of low playtime due to rain interruptions.
Referees will try to make every possible effort to fulfill the final match, even if it lasts into the wee hours of the night, which is within the rules of the final stage of the tournament.
Conclusion
Though weather has introduced an element of doubt in the outcome of the IPL 2025 final, fans can at least be assured that the organizers are adequately equipped to handle all situations. With a reserve day available, and well-defined guidelines for washouts and truncated matches, the chances of a clean and just outcome remain high.
Whichever way it goes, RCB ends their title awaiting at last or PBKS secures their first IPL trophy, cricketers across the globe are in for a fascinating finale—rain or shine.
