Cricket fans have seen their fair share of exciting matches in the fast-paced Indian Premier League, but none have been exempt from the erratic intervention of the weather gods. Rain, an unpredictable natural occurrence that affects both players and organizers, has a significant influence on how IPL matches turn out. The league's story has taken unexpected turns due to these rain-related incidents, which ranged from minor disruptions to total washouts. Here is a list of 10 IPL rain-affected games in history, highlighting the occasions when clouds obscured the intense cricket contests, leaving supporters feeling both disappointed and ecstatic at the same time.
1. KXIP Vs KKR, 2009
Sourav Ganguly marked a return, this time as a bowler, contributing to Kolkata Knight Riders restricting Kings XI Punjab to 158 for a loss of six wickets. Following that, Chris Gayle capitalized on two missed opportunities, demoralizing Punjab, and propelling Kolkata 11 runs ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis par-score. The contest was cut short by heavy rain in the 10th over.
2. CSK Vs KXIP, 2009
After a brutal display of batting from Hayden, CSK posted a formidable target of 187 due to the match being interrupted by rain. Punjab displayed a courageous chase, staying in line with the required rate of 12 runs per over until the last four overs. Due to the other bowlers being expensive, Dhoni entrusted the ball to Raina, who delivered two frugal overs that disrupted Punjab's pursuit, as they lost the game by 12 runs.
3. CSK Vs KKR, 2011
Kolkata Knight Riders capitalized on a slow pitch following a rain-delayed commencement, restricting Chennai Super Kings to 114. In response, their batters surpassed the par score before rain reappeared, resulting in a curtailed match. Despite both captains initially dismissing the weather's influence on the pitch and considering it favorable for batting, the conditions proved otherwise.
4. SRH Vs KKR, 2015 Bottom Of Form
Sunrisers Hyderabad navigated through a lackluster conclusion to their innings, a Duckworth-Lewis recalibration, a damp outfield, missed catches, and fielding errors to effectively defend a target of 117 in 12 overs. Initially, the game seemed to favor Kolkata Knight Riders, with 80 runs scored in the first 8.4 overs of their chase. However, a well-executed back-of-the-hand slower ball by Ravi Bopara, followed by three outstanding and yorker-filled overs, ensured that Knight Riders fell short, unable to score 37 runs off the last three overs.
5. RCB Vs KXIP, 2016
In a game condensed to a 15-over face-off, Kohli displayed unstoppable prowess as he notched up his fourth and quickest T20 century. Gayle’s 72 played a supporting role in taking the game away from Punjab. Kohli’s remarkable 50-ball 113 innings also secured his position at the top of the IPL run charts, propelling Royal Challengers to an 82-run triumph through the D/L method.
6. RPS Vs DD, 2016
The Daredevils' total of 121 proved insufficient as the Supergiants, led by a solid start from Khawaja and Rahane, were well on their way to victory before rain intervened. Rising Pune Supergiants ultimately secured a 19-run win through the D/L method, thanks to impressive three-wicket performances from fast bowler Ashok Dinda and leg spinner Adam Zampa.
7. RPS Vs KKR, 2016
A strong bowling display by Kolkata Knight Riders, coupled with an explosive cameo from Yusuf Pathan, led to the elimination of Rising Pune Supergiants in their inaugural season of IPL 2016. The match, affected by rain at Eden Gardens, concluded with an eight-wicket victory for Knight Riders, propelling them to the second position on the points table.
8. DD Vs KXIP, 2008
Despite not completing 20 overs, the match was filled with excitement and drama as Kings XI Punjab moved closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals. The victory, sealed in a somewhat chaotic finish due to rain, saw them hit a six off the final ball. The unpredictable turn of events added to the intensity of the game. Jayawardene’s 17-ball 36 and Pomersbach’s 12-ball 25 ensured a victory for Punjab.
9. CSK Vs GT, 2023
In what was a rain affected final which spanned for three days, the first day was washed out entirely by rain. The Titans scored a mammoth 214 runs in their 20 overs before there was a rain delay again. The target was subsequently reduced to 171 from 15 overs. Mohit Sharma who had been a charm for Titans proved to be their doom as he conceded ten runs off the last two balls, thanks to some batting heroics from Jadeja as CSK won their fifth IPL title.
10. RR Vs DD, 2018
Following Royals' innings of 17.5 overs, where they set a target of 153 runs, rain intervened and halted play for over two hours. The Daredevils took to the field nearly at midnight for their chase of 71. Despite challenging, damp conditions, the Daredevils scored 60 for four as they battled against both the target and the weather interruptions.
