The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday, May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, weather conditions could play a key role in determining how the much-awaited title clash will play out.
The weather is sunny in the morning, but concerns remain after the local weather department issued a yellow alert for parts of Gujarat, warning of strong winds and thunderstorms later in the day. While the city has been braving the scorching heat for the past few days, there remains a possibility of weather interruption during the final, reports ESPNcricinfo.
The city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday, prompting a severe heat warning. Although heavy rainfall is expected in and around Ahmedabad from June 1 onwards, the possibility of isolated thunderstorms during the competition on Sunday (May 31) cannot be ruled out.
As per IPL rules, a reserve day has been allotted for the final in case play is not possible on the scheduled day due to adverse weather or unexpected circumstances. However, weather forecasts suggest that Monday could see wetter conditions than Sunday, making completing the match on the original date a priority for tournament officials.
It is expected that the IPL governing body will make every possible effort to ensure that the final is completed on Sunday, even if it requires a reduction in overs. If the match remains incomplete on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, RCB will be crowned IPL 2026 champions based on finishing above GT in the league-stage standings.
A similar scene has been seen in Ahmedabad earlier also. IPL 2023 final between Gujarat Titans And Chennai Super Kings had to be shifted to the reserve day as heavy storm and rain disrupted the original match day proceedings, causing waterlogging in many parts of the city.
Weather-related challenges also affected GT preparations ahead of the final. Following their win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, the Titans experienced travel disruption while returning home. Adverse weather conditions across north-western India led to temporary runway closure in Chandigarh, delaying many flights. As a result, the Gujarat team reached Ahmedabad only around 11 pm on 30 May.
This season, both the teams have faced each other thrice, in which RCB has reached the final with a 2-1 lead. The winner of this summit clash will win his second IPL trophy.
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