A crucial Indian Premier League 2025 match took a disappointing turn when rain forced the abandonment of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) game without a ball being bowled.
RCB vs KKR: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)'s playoff hopes ended. Saturday's match was called off without a result due to incessant rain. The downpour prevented even the toss from taking place. Following the abandonment, both teams were awarded a single point each.
This result propelled RCB to the top of the points table with 17 points, while KKR remained at sixth with 12 points, eliminating them from the tournament.
Rain Halts Play; Toss Impossible
Fans eagerly awaited the match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. However, the weather completely disrupted proceedings. Intermittent rain throughout the day hampered ground staff efforts to prepare the pitch, rendering it unplayable. After a prolonged wait, match officials declared the match a no-result. Significantly, the toss could not even be conducted. Persistent rain and a soggy outfield forced the umpires to abandon the game.
Defending Champions KKR Eliminated from Playoff Race
Securing only a single point from the match completely extinguished Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff hopes. KKR now sits sixth in the standings with 12 points and no remaining matches. Consequently, Kolkata became the fourth team to be eliminated from IPL 2025.
Previously, Sunrisers Hyderabad (eighth place), Rajasthan Royals (ninth place), and Chennai Super Kings (tenth place) had also been eliminated from the playoff contention.
RCB at the Top
Despite the rain, a massive crowd of RCB fans gathered at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium. Notably, a large number of spectators wore Virat Kohli's Test jersey. Kohli recently retired from international Test cricket, and this match was his first home game since, with fans paying tribute.
Thousands of fans, clad in the number 18 white jersey, remained in the stadium despite the rain, demonstrating their love and support for Virat.
Points Table Standings
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: 8 wins in 12 matches, 17 points – Top
- Gujarat Titans: 16 points – Second place
- Punjab Kings: 15 points – Third place
- Mumbai Indians: 14 points – Fourth place
- Delhi Capitals: 13 points – Fifth place
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 12 points – Sixth place, eliminated
Concerns remain regarding the weather's impact on the remaining IPL matches. Continued rain could further complicate the playoff picture. The BCCI is considering providing ground covers and backup match slots.
