Rain played spoilsport during the IPL 2026 meeting between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, with the weather forcing a delay to the toss and leaving the venue fully blanketed under covers. Forecasts suggested there was a 40–50% likelihood of showers during the scheduled playing window, and guidance from BBC Weather indicated rain could be present from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Key takeaways
- The toss at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati was postponed due to rain.
- Both the ground and the pitch were fully covered as showers disrupted proceedings.
- Weather estimates pointed to a 40–50% chance of rain during match timings.
- BBC Weather projected rain exposure between 7:30 PM and 12:30 AM.
- Anjum Chopra backed RCB’s ability to defend their IPL title this season.
Rain disruption in Guwahati
At the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, the start of the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru contest was affected by wet conditions. Once rain began, the toss could not take place on time, and in response the entire playing area—including the pitch—was covered completely.
Looking ahead to the hours of play, predictions pointed to a meaningful probability of showers, with a 40–50% chance of rain during the match window. BBC Weather further added that rainfall could be seen from 7:30 PM through to 12:30 AM, keeping both teams mindful of potential interruptions.
Recent form, Anjum Chopra’s view on RCB
The weather concerns echoed a recent precedent in this matchup, too. The previous RR fixture against Mumbai Indians was also disrupted by rain, but the home side ultimately prevailed in a rain-shortened contest played under an 11-overs-per-side format.
Against that backdrop, Anjum Chopra outlined why she believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru can handle the demands of a long IPL campaign. She expressed strong confidence that RCB are capable of defending their title, drawing comparisons with franchises such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings—teams that have repeatedly thrived by sustaining performance levels rather than relying on short bursts of form.
Chopra also referenced RCB’s landmark achievement, noting that the franchise lifted its first IPL trophy after beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, ending an 18-year wait for silverware.
In her broader argument, Chopra stressed that momentum gathered early can be crucial, and that sides which keep their standards steady often position themselves well for the business end of the tournament. She added that a new champion can still emerge in any season, while also insisting that RCB can defend their crown if they continue to deliver consistently.
Speaking to ANI, Anjum Chopra said: “Yes, they can definitely do it. Mumbai has done it, Chennai has done it, RCB can also do it, and again, the team that consistently plays well will reach the playoffs. All the teams reaching the playoffs start from the blocks, exactly where they left off, so they can definitely do it, there can become a new champion, and RCB can also defend their IPL title.”
(With ANI inputs)
