The IPL 2025 final is supposed to be a celebration of perseverance. Instead, it’s starting to look like a test of patience — and maybe umbrellas. With grey skies looming over Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings now face a new opponent: the weather.
Two teams. Zero trophies. One dream. And possibly one downpour.
Both franchises, long plagued by what fans call the “chokers’ curse,” are just one win away from turning their fortunes. But with forecasts predicting scattered showers and overcast conditions for Tuesday night, what was set to be a blockbuster final could turn into a frustrating waiting game.
Weather May Decide What History Couldn’t
The latest forecast for Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad isn’t exactly cricket-friendly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of light to moderate rain throughout the evening, right when the final is supposed to begin.
And no, this isn’t just a light drizzle situation.
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Skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy from 6 PM to midnight.
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There’s a 60-70% chance of rain between 7 PM and 10 PM.
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Wind speeds could hit 20-25 km/h, possibly affecting visibility and play.
To make matters more unpredictable, there’s no reserve day. In case of a washout, the trophy will go to Punjab Kings — thanks to their superior position in the points table.
Both Teams Carry Emotional Weight, But Only One Will Leave Lighter
Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Punjab Kings. You could call them the IPL’s two most talented underachievers. For fans, this final means more than just a trophy. It’s years of heartbreak, memes, and near-misses wrapped into one cathartic chance.
RCB, led by Faf du Plessis but driven by the relentless energy of Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli, has already beaten PBKS twice this season. But none of that will matter if rain has the final say.
Meanwhile, Punjab has looked like a different beast in 2025. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan and with the explosive form of Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran, they’ve looked balanced, composed — even title-worthy.
For both teams, this isn’t just a match. It’s a memory waiting to happen. Or heartbreak in slow motion.
The Statistical Standoff Before the Skies Open
Numbers don’t lie, but sometimes they tease. Here’s how the finalists have stacked up this season:
| Team | Points | Wins | NRR | Head-to-Head in 2025 | Top Run Scorer | Top Wicket Taker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 19 | 9 | +0.481 | 0-2 vs RCB | Jonny Bairstow | Arshdeep Singh |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 19 | 9 | +0.421 | 2-0 vs PBKS | Virat Kohli | Mohammed Siraj |
One small edge in Net Run Rate was all that separated them. But the wins when it mattered? Those belonged to RCB.
Fans Brace for Chaos, Hope for Clarity
Cricket lovers from both camps have flooded social media with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The hashtag #LetItPlay started trending Monday night, as visuals of cloudy Ahmedabad skies went viral.
One RCB fan tweeted, “I’ve waited 17 years. Please don’t let this be decided by rain. Please.”
Punjab fans, on the other hand, are trying not to feel guilty. After all, a title is a title — even if it’s decided by the clouds. But even they know that no one wants to win like this.
And honestly? No one wants to lose like this either.
No Reserve Day, No Mercy
Here’s the thing: IPL 2025 doesn’t offer a reserve day for the final. It’s win it tonight, or let the skies choose. And that’s left fans scratching their heads.
Some believe it’s an oversight. Others say it’s just the way things are — one more twist in a season full of them.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made no official announcement about any backup plan. As per the IPL rulebook, the team that finishes higher on the points table gets the trophy if the final can’t be played.
In this case, Punjab Kings.
The Bigger Picture: A Trophy and a Turning Point
What makes this final so compelling — rain or not — is that it’s a clean slate moment. Both teams have legends. Both have loyal fans. And neither has baggage… anymore.
You can feel it in the dugouts. You can sense it in the fan chants. It’s like both sides have already seen their lowest and are now daring to dream again.
Whether the skies allow that dream to play out is another question.
