The IPL 2026 is on the way to the final stage as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will fight for the coveted title on May 31 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
Both teams have enjoyed excellent performances throughout the season and are just one win away from lifting the trophy. But with the weather so important in cricket, fans are wondering what will happen if rain disrupts the IPL 2026 final.
Will there be any Reserve Day for the IPL 2026 final?
Unlike the league stage and most playoff matches, the IPL final has been given a reserve day.
In the league stage, if a match was abandoned, both teams got one point each. In the playoffs, however, if a match had no time for completion, the team that had a higher league rank advanced as well or was declared the winner (no reserve day was offered to any of those games).
The final follows a different set of rules. The IPL governing body has decided on June 1 as the official reserve day for the championship clash.
What if rain interrupts the Final? What would happen if rain came in the end?
Match officials will first try to complete the game on May 31 itself. If rain delays, overs may be reduced according to playing conditions.
In addition, up to 120 minutes of extra time can also be utilised to complete the match. In order to get a result, a minimum of five-over match per side is required.
If rain or bad weather conditions make it impossible to complete the match on the scheduled day, play will move to the reserve day on June 1.
What if the match cannot be played on the reserve day?
If rain continues to prevent any play even on the reserve day, the IPL rulebook states that the team that finished higher in the league-stage points table will be declared the champion.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be crowned IPL 2026 champions in that scenario, having finished at the top of the league standings. Gujarat Titans, who finished second in the league phase, would be left in the runners-up position.
All Eyes on Ahmedabad
As fans will be hoping for clear skies and a full and uninterrupted contest between two of the season's top teams, they will look forward to a very close match for the IPL trophy. Whether the title is won on May 31 or on the reserve day, cricket fans can expect a great finish to the IPL season.
