Rain has a habit of turning IPL finales into a test of patience, and Ahmedabad is facing that familiar threat again on the day of the title match. The city has already lived through a similar nightmare in the past: in 2023, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans endured the worst of the weather when relentless showers wiped out the final on the originally scheduled day and pushed it to a reserve date. Even then, the atmosphere stayed uncertain until the rain gods eventually eased, allowing a shortened 15-over contest. Now, with Gujarat back in the final, Ahmedabad once more finds itself staring at the possibility that the forecast could decide more than cricket.
In 2023, Gujarat entered the summit clash as defending champions, only to lose the rain-affected final to CSK. They were unable to reach the final again in the following two editions. After Hardik Pandya’s exit in December 2023, Gujarat slipped to eighth place in 2024, before staging a turnaround to earn a playoff spot in 2025. A year on from that revival, the franchise has produced yet another strong run to the final, where it will take on reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB have held the upper hand in this season’s head-to-head record, winning twice in three meetings against Gujarat, including in Qualifier 1 earlier this week.
With the stakes so high, the weather could still become a deciding factor in whether the final follows its full course or is forced into a contingency plan. That uncertainty begins with conditions around the venue.
Yellow alert in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad started Sunday under bright skies, with temperatures staying above 40 degrees Celsius. Despite the sunshine, a yellow alert has been issued for parts of Gujarat, signalling that rain activity remains possible even if the immediate outlook appears calm. While showers are expected in and around Ahmedabad, current forecasts do not suggest a major disruption during the match window.
One prediction points to hot conditions through the evening, along with only a small chance of rain. Still, forecasts can be unreliable at this time of year, and even a low probability of rain can matter in a game where timing is everything. Gujarat, for instance, themselves reached Ahmedabad late after their Qualifier 2 win over Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Friday. Adverse weather in north India temporarily disrupted flight operations in Chandigarh, contributing to the delayed travel.
What happens if rain washes out the IPL 2026 final?
If rain threatens to take control, the final will not be abandoned immediately. Match officials will monitor conditions closely, waiting for the weather to improve and aiming to complete as much of a standard game as possible. If delays continue, the number of overs will be reduced, and the match must have at least five overs per side to count as a legitimate contest.
For a five-over game to happen, play has to start before the revised cut-off time, which is typically 11:55 PM IST. If the day’s play is completely washed out, the IPL 2026 final will be shifted to the reserve day on Monday, June 1. However, if rain also prevents any meaningful play on the reserve date, the title will be decided by league standings, with the team finishing higher in the points table declared champions.
In that event, Gujarat Titans would be crowned champions, having finished above Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the league phase.
