Rain or Shine, Who Will Dine? Chinnaswamy Pitch Promises Drama as RCB Face KKR

Following a week-long break in the IPL 2025 due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take to the field at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday night. However, incessant rain and the use of covers leading up to the game is to impact the mood of the pitch.

 

The Chinnaswamy track is traditionally a batting paradise, with its flat deck, even seam movement, and short boundaries beckoning huge scores. Teams in the past have attempted to register scores above 200, and the venue has seen some of the highest-scoring IPL matches ever. The average first-innings score so far this season has been close to 169-178, while the previous game at the venue registered more than 420 runs between CSK and RCB.

 

But the pitch has remained under wraps for extended periods due to incessant rain in Bengaluru, and there is a bit of uncertainty. The retained moisture in the surface may initially assist seamers, with early movement being a certainty and allowing bowlers to cause problems for batters. As the match progresses and the pitch dries out under the lights, it should turn back into its usual batting-friendly nature, flattening out and allowing stroke play. Dew will also play a key role in the latter half, helping batters and making it challenging for bowlers, especially spinners, to grip the ball. With a high probability of rain and thunderstorms in the daytime, stoppages or a cut game are on the cards. In case rain delays the start or reduces the overs, the dew factor will be more significant, tipping the balance further in the direction of the second-inning batting team.

 

Generally, expect an even match early on, with pacers-mostly-receiving some support if there is residual dampness. Once the surface dries out, batting will be more pleasant, and there can be a high-scoring match if the weather allows for a full game.

 

Source: Economic Times