Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were 25/2 in 3.4 overs when rain halted play during their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens on Monday. What started as a light drizzle has turned into a heavy rain storm as the players wait for an extended period of time.
After losing the first two matches, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat first on a dry surface. But Rahane’s resolve backfired as Punjab Kings Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett struck twice in the space of three balls to send back Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4), showing fine control over the swing and seam. Rahane (8 not out) and young wicketkeeper-batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7) were stopped at the crease at the moment.
With Eden Gardens equipped with full ground covers, the ground staff swung into action and quickly covered the entire field. Although the blankets began to come off, there was a brief respite, but the rain gods returned with thunder and lightning, leaving the audience frustrated.
Incidentally, last season’s KKR vs PBKS match at Eden (April 26) was also affected by rain, both teams had to share a point.
What happens if washout occurs?
- Unlike the play-offs, the league matches in the IPL do not have a designated reserve day. All matches in IPL 2026 have an additional 120-minute window if play is interrupted or delayed. At least five overs need to be played for the result of the match.
- To kick off the five-match competition, the KKR vs PBKS match closes at 11:14 PM IST. If the match does not start at all, both KKR and Punjab Kings will share each point. The total attendance at Eden Gardens for this match is 29,358, likely due to the Monday game and cloudy conditions.
What did IMD say about Kolkata weather on April 6?
According to the IMD, the rain was triggered by a low pressure trough extending from Bihar to Manipur, passing through North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh, leading to intrusion of moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
“Most districts of South Bengal are likely to witness thundershowers and rain. Scattered rainfall with higher intensity is likely across the state from Sunday to Thursday with higher intensity on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the IMD said.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen on Tuesday, with Kalbaisack storms likely to bring winds of 50 to 60 kmph along with lightning and heavy rain in Kolkata and adjoining areas. KKR will play Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday but that too has some rain forecast.
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