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Before the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the eyes of cricket fans are not only on the title clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) but also on the weather in Ahmedabad. Before this much-awaited match to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium, the discussion has intensified regarding the possibility of rain.

This ground in Ahmedabad is full of memories for Gujarat Titans. In the year 2023, rain had caused major disruption in the IPL final played against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the same ground. Due to bad weather, the match could not be played on the scheduled day and was played on the reserve day. This was the only final in IPL history to reach the reserve day. The effect of rain was also seen in that match and ultimately under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) rule, Chennai Super Kings won the title by defeating Gujarat Titans.

However, this same ground in Ahmedabad has also been a witness to happiness for Gujarat Titans, because in 2022, on this ground, the team won its first and so far only IPL title. On the other hand, this ground is also very special for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year, in the same stadium, RCB won its first IPL title, ending a long wait of 18 years.

How will the weather be?

Many parts of the country have been affected by rain and storm in recent times, due to which fans are worried about the weather during the final. Even the arrival of Gujarat Titans team to Ahmedabad was affected due to bad weather and rain in Chandigarh.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Ahmedabad. Yellow alert means that there is a possibility of change in weather and slight disruption and rain may affect the match. However, according to the available weather forecasts, the chances of heavy rain during the match are said to be very less.

According to the forecast, the temperature may reach 40 degrees Celsius during the day, but the weather will become relatively pleasant by the time the match starts. The temperature during the match is likely to remain around 30 degrees Celsius initially. The sky may remain cloudy throughout the match, but at the moment the entire match is expected to be played.

How will the pitch of Narendra Modi Stadium be?

IPL 2026 final will be played on pitch number 6 of Narendra Modi Stadium. This is the same pitch on which Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore faced each other in the initial phase of the tournament. In that match, Gujarat bowled brilliantly and bowled out RCB for only 155 runs and achieved the target with 25 balls remaining.

If a similar surface is prepared for the final, then fast bowlers can get help in the initial overs. In such a situation, it will not be easy for the batsmen to score runs and the match may remain relatively low-scoring. Cricket experts believe that even a score of less than 200 can prove to be competitive on this pitch.

Considering the possible possibility of rain, the role of the toss can also be important. Keeping in mind the weather and pitch conditions, the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, although last year RCB had created history by winning the final by batting first on the same ground.

Exciting competition expected

On one hand, Gujarat Titans will try to win their second IPL title on their home ground, while on the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore will enter the field with the intention of lifting the trophy for the second consecutive time. With the mild challenge of the weather and the potential bowling support of the pitch, this final could prove to be a real test of strategy, patience and performance.

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