IPL 2025 Opener Under Rain Threat: What Happens if KKR vs RCB Is Washed Out?

Heavy rain and thunderstorms could disrupt the season opener in Kolkata; here’s the full weather forecast and what it means for both teams.

March 22, 2025: Kolkata – The grand opening of the IPL 2025 season, featuring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, faces a major rain threat. With an orange alert in place and forecasts predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, fans and organisers alike are bracing for a potential washout on Saturday, March 22.

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⚠️ What’s the Weather Forecast?

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kolkata region is likely to experience:

• Scattered rain and thunderstorms
• Strong winds and lightning
• High humidity (~65%)
• Temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C

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A trough from central Odisha to Vidarbha, combined with wind convergence and a Bay of Bengal anticyclone, is creating unstable weather patterns across eastern India.

📅 Hour-by-Hour Breakdown (AccuWeather):

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• Morning (6 AM – 12 PM): Overcast with up to 66% chance of rain. Could hamper match-day preparations and the opening ceremony setup.
• Afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM): Clouds with occasional sun. Rain chances drop to 25%, offering slight hope.
• Evening (6 PM – 11 PM): Match toss at 7:00 PM IST, play from 7:30 PM. Rain chances at toss: 10%, but rise again to 70% by 11 PM, risking interruptions or an incomplete game.

Due to this, ground covers have been in place since Thursday, and Friday’s practice sessions were moved indoors due to rain.

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🎤 What If KKR vs RCB Is Washed Out?

• No reserve day is allotted for IPL group matches.
• A complete washout would mean both teams get one point each.
• A shortened match could be possible depending on how much time is lost, thanks to Eden Gardens’ modern drainage system.

This would be an anti-climactic start, especially with the opening ceremony featuring Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla, and the presence of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expected.

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🏏 What’s at Stake?

• KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, are defending champions.
• RCB, under new captain Rajat Patidar, are still chasing their elusive first IPL title.
• Big names like Virat Kohli, Andre Russell, and Quinton de Kock are set to clash—weather permitting.

Historically a batting paradise, Eden Gardens could turn bowler-friendly if the pitch stays under covers too long, adding another twist to an already unpredictable fixture.

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