RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 Weather Update: Kohli & Co on Verge of Elimination as IMD Issues Orange Alert in Bengaluru

The last league game between Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday will decide the fourth team to qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. Three teams – Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad – are through with one spot remaining. Whichever side loses on Saturday will bid adieu to the league while the winning team will storm into the next stage.

While the fans eagerly wait for the Kohli vs Dhoni Southern Derby, there are high chances that Rain Gods may have the last laugh. The capital city of Karnataka is likely to experience a thunderstorm in the afternoon following a couple of showers.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the city from May 18 to 20. The capital city of Karnataka is likely to have light showers on Friday but a heavy downpour is expected on Saturday.

Taking to microblogging site X, the IMD stated, “South Interior Karnataka is very likely to get isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.5-204.5 mm) during 18th-20th May, 2024.”

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Drainage system at Chinnaswamy

As the rain threat looms large, the Karnataka State Cricket Association seems to be prepared to fight the water logging at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Back in 2017, it had installed a SubAir subsurface aeration and vacuum-powered drainage system which helps to dry the outfield fasters and prevent water-logging.

During the unveiling of the project, officials claimed the 200-horsepower machine can drain water “36 times faster” than usual systems as it can remove water at 10,000 litres per minute. The match can begin and/or start again in 15 or 20 minutes after the rain stops.

What if the game gets washed out?

CSK will be through if they beat RCB or the game is washed out on Saturday. If RCB beat CSK by at least 18 runs or 11 balls to spare, they will grab the last playoff spot based on net run rate.

In case of a washed-out game, both teams – CSK and RCB – will share a point each. CSK will swiftly move to the knockouts with 15 points while RCB’s season will end with 13 points.