Heavy rain delayed the toss in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL 2025 game at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday evening (May 17).

IPL 2025 is scheduled to restart after it was paused for 10 days due to India and Pakistan tensions and Operation Sindoor.

Also read: How SubAir system works and how it once saved KKR

Hosts RCB are second on the table with 16 points from 11 matches, and a win here can propel them to the playoffs.

KKR are sixth on the table with 11 points from 12 games, and a slip-up will evaporate the defending champions’ hopes of making the knockouts.

Also read: RCB vs KKR match preview

Saturday’s match will be the first for Virat Kohli after announcing his retirement from Test cricket. And, many fans have turned up at the stadium in Kohli’s No. 18 replica Test white jerseys to pay tribute to the former India captain.

IPL resumption

However, the wait for IPL’s resumption is further delayed due to heavy rain in Bengaluru.

The pitch was under covers, and the toss, which was to take place at 7 PM, did not happen. But, the chances of getting a shortened game are high as Chinnaswamy Stadium has an excellent drainage facility – the SubAir system.

About SubAir system

The SubAir system automatically kicks into action the minute it starts raining, thereby not allowing any build-up of water on the outfield. It quickly removes standing water (36 times faster than drainage by gravity) virtually eliminating the need for extended game delays or cancellations due to wet outfield conditions.

Water begins to get evacuated at the rate of over 10,000 litres/minute, from the moment it begins to rain.

According to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials, once the rain completely stops, the ground will be ready in 20 minutes to play.