Bengaluru, May 17 (UNI) A grand stand tribute planned for Virat Kohli’s illustrious Test career may be hampered this evening, as heavy rainfall threatens to derail the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
With the former India captain’s farewell from red-ball cricket fresh in the minds of fans, the RCBians were set to honour their icon in what promised to be an emotionally charged evening. However, the weather gods appear disinclined to cooperate.
Forecasts suggest a 71 per cent chance of rain at 7 PM, coinciding with the toss, and continued precipitation throughout the evening. As per AccuWeather, the rain probability stands at 58 per cent at 5 PM and remains high at 49 per cent even at 9 PM — raising fears of a potential washout.
Bengaluru and parts of Karnataka have witnessed incessant showers over the past few days, with waterlogging reported in several areas. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, though equipped with a world-class drainage system, may still struggle if the rain persists into the evening.
The match carries major stakes. RCB need a win to confirm their playoff berth and will be desperate to avoid sharing points. Meanwhile, KKR have already borne the brunt of the weather once this season — their earlier match against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens was called off after just one over.
Organisers and fans alike now watch the skies with bated breath. While there is optimism for a late start if showers clear, the emotional resonance of a full Kohli tribute — played to a packed, dry stadium — may be the first casualty of the weather.
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