Rain once again played spoilsport in Bengaluru as the Indian Premier League fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium faced a delay on Thursday evening due to persistent drizzle. The toss was postponed as the groundsmen rushed to cover the pitch and outfield. The weather in the city remained unpredictable, a trend that has continued over the past week with consistent rainfall. According to Accuweather, there is a 17 percent chance of rain throughout the evening. Humidity is expected to rise from 53 percent at 7 p.m. to 60 percent by 10 p.m. Temperatures will hover around 28 to 29 degrees Celsius while wind gusts could reach up to 28 kilometers per hour. If the match gets underway later, the dew factor could heavily influence proceedings.
Read Also | RCB vs PBKS, Bengaluru Weather Update for April 18: Will Rain Play Spoilsport in Today's IPL 2025 Match Featuring Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer?
RCB have been flawless on the road this season with four wins in four matches. However, they are winless at home after losing both games at Chinnaswamy. Both defeats came after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first, struggling on a surface that becomes easier to chase on under dew. Punjab Kings enter the contest with high confidence after defending the lowest total in IPL history against Kolkata Knight Riders. Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal starred with a match-winning spell of 4 for 28. His return to Chinnaswamy, where he remains the leading wicket-taker, adds an interesting subplot to the clash.
RCB’s bowling remains a concern, especially the form of pacer Josh Hazlewood on home turf. In contrast, PBKS possess two of the most aggressive powerplay batters this season in Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer. Both teams currently sit on eight points. A win tonight will take the victor to the top of the table alongside Delhi Capitals and set up a highly anticipated rematch when the two sides meet again in New Chandigarh on Sunday.
