Ahmedabad weather today: RCB vs PBKS final match rain forecast and Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 1:50 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Ahmedabad’s “Rain‑Check” for the IPL Final: What the Weather, Pitch and Stadium Mean for RCB vs. PBKS

The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) Final has been slated to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a venue that has become synonymous with high‑energy cricket since it opened in 2020. As the date of the showdown between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) approaches, fans and pundits alike are paying close attention to three critical elements that could decide the outcome: the forecasted weather, the pitch report, and the unique characteristics of the stadium itself. Below, we distill the most important information from the MoneyControl coverage and related sources to give you a comprehensive preview of what to expect on match day.

1. Weather Forecast: A Wet, Humid, but Hopeful Outlook

According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) latest bulletin, Ahmedabad is likely to experience a temperate day with temperatures hovering between 28 °C (82 °F) in the early morning and a peak of 34 °C (93 °F) in the late afternoon. Relative humidity is projected to be high, at 70–80 %, which can contribute to a sticky, damp outfield—something batters must be ready for.

Rain is a factor that cannot be entirely ruled out. The IMD has assigned a 20 % chance of precipitation around the 5‑to‑7 pm window, a window that typically falls in the latter part of a T20 match. While this is not a forecast for a heavy downpour, it does mean that a brief, drizzly spell is possible. The article advises that such a scenario would most likely lead to a “rain‑stop” rather than a full abandonment, with matches normally being declared null if less than 20 overs are bowled. For the teams, this introduces the possibility of a reduced‑overs game should the rain strike at a critical juncture.

Dew is expected to be a significant factor in the evening. Dew on the wickets usually begins around 6 pm and can turn the ball to spin more readily. In a high‑profile final where every run counts, teams may need to adapt their bowling strategies to account for this shift in conditions.

2. Pitch Report: Flat, Slow, and Spin‑Friendly

The Narendra Modi Stadium is famous for its modern drainage and turf maintenance system. In the latest pitch report, the pitch is described as “flat to medium” with “slight seam movement in the first 15 overs.” The surface is expected to offer minimal bounce, making it ideal for batters who prefer a consistent run‑rate.

However, as the innings progresses, the pitch is predicted to become “gradually slower” with an increasing tendency to spin. Analysts from the MoneyControl article note that a “thin layer of dust” that accumulates over time can help spin bowlers, especially the right‑handers, extract turn on the later overs. This is a factor that could tilt the match in favor of the side that can manage the transition from early aggressive play to a more measured approach.

The pitch report also mentions the influence of the outfield. With a hard, flat outfield, batters will have the advantage of quick boundaries, provided they can navigate the occasional sticky patch. For bowlers, a well‑maintained outfield will mean that catches are easier to take, but also that fielders have to be ready for sharp edges.

3. The Stadium: A Modern Giant with a Rich Legacy

The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, boasts a capacity of over 132,000—making it one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. The state‑of‑the‑art turf, covered with a protective layer, ensures a smooth playing surface that is rarely compromised by external factors.

In addition to its size, the stadium’s architecture incorporates modern lighting and broadcasting technology. For a final of this magnitude, such facilities guarantee that the event is delivered to millions worldwide with crystal‑clear visuals. The article also highlights the stadium’s acoustics, noting that crowd noise can be amplified by the surrounding architecture—a psychological advantage for the home side, albeit the venue is neutral for both RCB and PBKS.

From a logistical perspective, the Narendra Modi Stadium offers ample parking, modern spectator amenities, and a well‑designed concourse. These factors contribute to a smoother fan experience, allowing supporters of both franchises to focus on the match.

4. Key Players to Watch

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli – The franchise’s captain and a prolific run‑scorer in T20 cricket. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate in the death overs will be pivotal.
Mohammed Siraj – The frontline fast bowler who can deliver in the powerplay. Siraj’s recent form has been stellar, and he may be the one to bowl out the opposition in the crucial early overs.
Glenn Maxwell – His aggressive batting and fielding prowess have earned him a reputation as a game‑changer. Maxwell’s ability to pick gaps and finish innings will be essential.

Punjab Kings

Shahbaz Ahmed – A left‑hander known for his patience and consistency. Ahmed’s ability to rotate the strike could set a solid platform for PBKS.
Shahbaz Yousuf – The left‑arm spinner has shown the ability to pick up wickets during the middle overs. If the pitch spins as predicted, Yousuf may turn the game in PBKS’s favor.
Kartik Patel – The wicket‑keeper-batsman with a knack for quick runs at the end. Patel’s batting may help in the final overs if the match goes into the death zone.

5. Strategic Considerations: Powerplays, Middle‑Overs, and the Death

Given the predicted flat start and the possibility of dew, teams will need to adapt their strategies at different phases of the game.

Powerplay (Overs 1–6) – Fast bowlers must be aggressive in taking wickets and controlling the run‑rate. RCB’s Siraj and PBKS’s Shadab Khan may aim to break early partnerships.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–14) – The pitch’s subtle turn could become apparent. Spin bowlers for PBKS may look to exploit the turning surface, while RCB may rely on seamers who can use early movement.
Death Overs (Overs 15–20) – Dew will become prominent, and bowlers will need to adjust line and length. Batsmen will look to exploit the dry outfield for boundaries, but a misstep can mean quick wickets.

A key element will be the “run‑rate pressure.” If either side gains a large cushion early, they can play a defensive strategy, letting the other side over‑shoot and run into trouble. Conversely, a slow start can be detrimental if the opposition finishes the innings at a brisk pace.

6. Historical Context and What’s at Stake

The IPL Final is a high‑stakes affair that brings together the top teams from the league. Historically, RCB has struggled to clinch a title despite a strong squad and marquee players. PBKS, on the other hand, has yet to win an IPL trophy, though their recent performances have shown promise.

The Narendra Modi Stadium has hosted some landmark matches, including the 2021 IPL season’s final, where the venue’s neutral environment played a significant role in determining the outcome. The stadium’s advanced facilities and massive capacity will add to the pressure on both sides to perform under the spotlight.

7. Bottom Line: A Weather‑Ready Match on a Spin‑Friendly Pitch

The MoneyControl article underscores that while the weather and pitch conditions could influence the final, the teams’ ability to adapt will be decisive. The likelihood of rain is modest but not negligible, suggesting a possibility of a shortened game. The pitch is likely to start flat, providing a batting advantage early on, before gradually turning to favor spin bowlers in the later overs. Dew in the evening adds an extra layer of strategy for both teams.

For fans, this means an exciting, unpredictable final that could swing from a batting showcase to a spin‑driven drama, all under the massive roof of the Narendra Modi Stadium. Whether RCB can finally lift the trophy or PBKS will chase their maiden IPL title depends on who can best navigate the variables of the pitch, the weather, and the high‑pressure environment of a final.

Stay tuned for live commentary, expert analysis, and post‑match reactions as the IPL Final unfolds on a day that promises both drama and cricketing brilliance.

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