10:24pm Handshakes all around means only one thing - the RCB-KKR contest has been called off. Defending champions KKR have been knocked out. RCB still alive, inch closer to playoffs. Unfortunate that the rain had the final say on a night when IPL was to resume after nine days. Thanks to the one point, RCB move to the top of the points table.
10:15pm Rain has not subsided. But broadcast says that for any length of match to happen, toss needs to happen by 10:40pm. Remember, the cut-off time for starting a five-over game is 10:56pm.
10:05pm Grim scenes now. Ashish reports that a lot of the fans' patience has started to run off now. They are starting to make their way out of the ground. Still steady rain.
Neeraj Chopra exists in a world of one when it comes to Indian athletics, but just below him there's a tier of athletes who are helping Indian track and field quicken its stride. The latest is new 800m national record holder, Mohammed Afsal whose career is a study in perseverance.
9:50pm Hello again, folks! The drizzle continues. And so does our wait. And while we do that, why not play a quiz on IPL thrillers that Sreshth Shah has compiled?
9:40pm: Still raining. Let's see if bringing Sudarshanan back will work a miracle.
9:20pm: The weather, if nothing else, has been consistent. So, you can check out Firdose Moonda's feature on why 2025 is a great year for Zimbabwe.
Odinlass: "This one feels apt for the fans and for KKR's playoff hopes. Dreams in the Rain: Gentle drops descend, Whispers of dreams wash away-- Puddles of lost hopes.
Harish : "RCB - Raining Consistently in Bangalore!!!"
Abdul: "Does it look like there is any chance of a game happening tonight? " Nope
9:05pm: Yep, it is in fact still raining. An hour and 35 minutes eaten out of the game. Not much to look out for, so you might as just well look at the preview for tomorrow's game.
Peter: "@Srinivas, yeah buddy. Instead of yo-yo, let's have a row-row test!"
Srinivas: "Let's decide the game by a swimming competition. Tim David vs. Dre Russ."
Odinlass: "Just got out of my poetry appreciation class and was so excited for this game but ..... it doesn't look like it will take place tonight." Feel free to send haikus to say it's raining for the next update.
Kapil: "Meanwhile, I am whetting my appetite for T20 cricket by watching BAN vs UAE."
8:50pm: Still raining steadily. It rained quite heavily overnight and has been regular over the past week. Ashish says the DJ is trying his best to get the crowd going, but it's all very quiet now.
Vkumar: "Hazlewood didn't rule out joining means he might come back for playoffs if his fitness improved."
8:33pm: And the rain has intensified. Back go the supersoppers, ground staff and the umpires. And we've started losing overs.
Jai: "I'm inside stadium and It is a steady drizzle.... RCB is cursed...." Imagine KKR's plight
8:25pm: Down to a mild drizzle now, Ashish says, no activity going on. The PA is revving up the crowd though. 'R-C-B' chants go around like it's vocal training. A minute later, Ashish informs the fourth umpire is walking out for a stroll, umbrella down to a rousing reception. Five minutes later, the groundstaff is out. The two super soppers are also doing their bit.
Neelesh: "Rain has stopped at UB City... "
8:10pm: Thanks Sudarshanan. Ashish says people have started returning to their seats. Some RCB, RCB chants as well. It's down to a light drizzle now. But no activity, yet on the ground. We'll start losing overs after 8.30pm; 10.56pm is the cutoff time for a five-over game.
Suraj: "Does Hazelwood join the RCB team for todays match?" No, he's nursing a shoulder injury and there's no confirmation on if/when he'll return
Sajith Nizam: "what will happen to KKR's qualification scenarios, if this match get called off?" They're out.
8pm Down to a drizzle now. It has to stop completely for us to hope and think about toss or a start. Ekanth takes charge of some rain watch now.
7:35pm The rain has become heavier. The match should have started by now. We will only start losing overs by 8:30pm and if it has to be a five-over match, that has to start by 10:56pm.
Neeraj Chopra has won everything, but the one thing that eluded him was an arbitrary milestone: the 90m mark. Not anymore. On how Neeraj climbed mt. 90, and broke a big mental barrier.
Sanjeev: "What happens to the qualification prospects of RCB and KKR if the match is washed out? Will RCB get a Q next to their name?" RCB likely will qualify and KKR will definitely be knocked out
7:25pm Still drizzling, but the intensity is lesser than from a while ago. There were massive puddles on the outfield but a lot of those have disappeared now, thanks to the SubAir drainage system. #ICYMI, a lot of whites can be spotted in the stands and the reason is Virat Kohli's Test retirement.
7:07pm How are y'all, cricket hopefuls? There is still a fair amount of drizzle, no chance of toss just yet. But here's something to keep you occupied for a while:
In the lead-up to the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's on June 11, ESPNcricinfo, Star Sports and JioHotstar are inviting you to help us pick the greatest Test of the 21st century. In the voting bracket, we now have Inzamam's Multan save against Joseph's Gabba breach and the Trent Bridge Ashes thriller versus Brett Lee's all-round brilliance. What are your picks?
6:55pm: Covers still firmly on, it's still raining and the toss has been officially delayed. Doesn't look like it will happen in the next hour though. And say hi to Sudarshanan who'll come in to keep you entertained.
6:40pm: Not official but there's no chance toss will be on time as it's still pelting down. So, here's Ashish's Twitter for scenes from the ground and Andre Russell pre-interview: Very good feeling all the time to be part of this amazing tournament. We're here and excited. There has been a break in momentum but we're used to travelling across countries. Mentally, I know how to switch on. Time off helps me as an individual to reflect. But the moment I came back for practice, I made sure the body is up and running again. I have a strong mindset and am ready to roll. Yesterday at practice, I hit the ball well. Hit a couple on the roof. Been following up with the weather, chances are for rain to be around but we're keen to play regardless of the situation - wet outfield - even if it's an ocean out there, we'll have to give it our best and come out with a win.
Jony: "Rain pouring down right now? Actually that's good news if it's pouring down as statistically it will stop after 1-2 hours which will allow the play of atleast 10 overs per match and if not that then surely 5 over match. So it should rain heavily now and stop within 1-2 hours or so " Logic works at a generic level, but Bangalore is capable of long rain spells.
Diwakar : "Even during 1st RCB VS KKR match at Eden gardens everyone was doubtful of the match as there was rain forecast but full 20 overs match happened. Hoping for the same today but hopefully resulting in a KKR win."
From Ashish Pant who's at the ground: Hellos from a very wet Chinnaswamy stadium where it is absolutely hosing down. The forecast was always going to be of rain and thunderstorms, and that has arrived big time. The rain hasn't deterred the RCB faithful, who have come in big numbers. There is a lot of red, but the change today is that there are a lot of white jerseys, with fans coming in to pay tribute to Virat Kohli after he retired from Test cricket last week. But they will have to wait as this match isn't starting anytime soon. Chinnaswamy Stadium has one of the best drainage systems in the world, so it's just a matter of time when/if the rain stops. For the time being, it is a long wait.
Abhishek : "What's the cut-off time for a 5 over match?" Scheduled toss is still 30 minutes away, so it's too early to say.
Virat: "Knowing about Bengaluru rains if it rains heavily now, normally it will stop raining from 7 and takes a break for next 5 hours.. Let's hope Bengaluru ground amazing drainage system we will have a decent match today!!"
6:20pm: Rain's still heavy. There are puddles as water's pouring over from the covers. Fans have evacuated the lower seats and flocked under stands. Not much going going for KKR in a must-win situation. Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell are the only two overseas players who won't be returning. They haven't lost to RCB in Bengaluru for a long while but their on-and-off season could come to a premature end. So, KKR fans, how're you coping with the situation?
Aditya: "Started following test cricket recently so I missed out on quite a lot of knocks of Kohli. But one that will forever be etched in my mind is Boxing Day 23' in South Africa. Might be the best non 100 knock of his"
Mustafa Moudi : "My favourite Test Memory is Dhoni's Last Test Match at Melbourne where Kohli and Rahane were involved in 262 Partnership. The pair went to become Captain and Vice-Captain of the Indian Test Team and today they are playing against each other !!"
Sid Monga's Virat tribute: Kohli and Test cricket gave each other their best
6:10pm: It's gotten dark and there is proper rain now. Evening rains have been persistent of late, so it's not looking great. So for now, lets' look back at the fact that during the break Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement and the fanfare has been on expected lines in the build-up. There might be a fair share of white jerseys in the stands too. Do share your favourite Kohli Test memory.
Sanjay B: "Die hard RCB fans need to take a boat to reach the stadium now"
Shakti: "I am staying few KM away from Chinnaswamy stadium and here the rain is pouring heavily. As Bangalore has a very good drainage system on stadium hope we will get a game. In case of washout is it all over for KKR? " Yep
Match Preview by Shashank Kishore: RCB and KKR kick off business end of league phase
6pm: Hello and welcome back. The IPL resumes after a ten-day break in arguably the most high-energy venue. The fact that RCB are a win away from sealing a spot in the playoffs means the excitement will be high at the Chinnaswamy. KKR need a win but they'll still need a few other results to their way. Quite a few people are in the ground already but the sky is dark gray and the pitch is under cover. The forecast isn't great but let's hope that stays away.
