All eyes in IPL 2026 will be fixed on the forecast as Rajasthan Royals take on Mumbai Indians in Match 13 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Rain is expected to hover around the venue and could force interruptions, with the highest risk window set to fall in the late afternoon.
Guwahati forecast: rain risk across the day
The day is likely to start with mostly overcast conditions, with light showers possible in the morning. As the afternoon moves in, thunderstorms are forecast in some parts, raising the chances of a disruption to the scheduled proceedings.
- Morning: mostly cloudy skies, with light showers expected early.
- Afternoon: thunderstorms possible in parts during the later stages of the day.
- Peak risk: precipitation probability is projected to be highest between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, hovering around 55%.
- Evening improvement: conditions are expected to settle gradually heading toward the night.
- By 6:00 pm: rain chances are expected to ease to roughly 21%.
- Toss time: the probability is forecast to fall further to about 6%, with clearer conditions expected later in the night.
What happens if play is delayed?
Even with the outlook improving later, any postponement can carry major consequences for an IPL fixture so early in the tournament. Under the league’s playing conditions, a minimum five-overs-a-side match can only be arranged if the action gets underway by 10:56 pm, while the toss must be completed by 10:46 pm.
If overs are reduced to a shorter contest, the match often turns into a fast-paced, high-impact contest where power-hitting can decide momentum and outcomes. However, if rain continues beyond the relevant cut-off times and the required window cannot be met, the game will be abandoned, with both sides taking a point each—an outcome that neither team will want in the early phase of the season.
Fresh reminder: Eden washout affects early-season expectations
The weather narrative has already shaped IPL 2026 once, with the opening rain-affected match of the season coming just a day earlier at Eden Gardens. Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings were forced to split points after rain intervention.
At the time play was halted, KKR were on 25/2 in 3.4 overs. Although there was a brief period later in the night where a restart seemed possible, conditions ultimately did not allow even a shortened five-over contest. The washout served as a reminder of how narrow the usable time can become once the weather takes control.
Teams set for a high-stakes clash if the skies stay clear
If the forecast holds and the match gets the green light, Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians could deliver plenty of intrigue. RR, captained by Riyan Parag, have been finding strong form, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi providing energetic starts that set the tone for the innings.
Mumbai Indians, though, will be hoping for a timely return of skipper Hardik Pandya after his absence was felt in their previous loss. With Jasprit Bumrah not yet at full rhythm and the bowling group under pressure, MI will need a sharper response to keep RR’s batters in check.
- Rajasthan Royals: led by Riyan Parag, buoyed by explosive starts from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- Mumbai Indians: looking for Hardik Pandya’s comeback after his absence contributed to their prior defeat.
- Bowling focus for MI: Jasprit Bumrah still working toward peak rhythm, with the unit needing to deliver under pressure.
- Match outlook: Rajasthan carry momentum, while Mumbai aim to bounce back—provided rain stays away.
With both sides eager to make a statement, the clash promises plenty of contest and momentum swings—though the weather will remain the biggest variable until the toss and beyond.
