Despite Downpour, RCB Elects to Field vs KKR After Late Toss in IPL
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Thunderstorms couldn’t dampen the spirit in Raipur as RCB seized the toss advantage in IPL 2026 match 57 versus KKR, choosing to bowl first despite a two-hour delay. Officials’ assurance of no overs cut sets the stage for an uninterrupted showdown starting 8:45 PM.
Captain Patidar was upbeat: ‘Fielding first – the pitch is familiar from our last game, should play true. Pressure on them early. Bounce variations aside, team’s buzzing with belief. Every match matters; we’re prioritizing quality play. Venu (Iyer) in for Shepherd.’
KKR’s Rahane mirrored the focus: ‘Strong last four games. One at a time. Saurabh for Varun.’
Rain narrative: Covers on post-4:30 PM burst, drizzle at 6:15 PM paused efforts, storm at 6:35 PM with lightning. Umpires’ pitch walk amid peels of thunder led to adjusted schedule, but optimism prevailed.
Raipur’s surface resists free scoring, and wet conditions tilt scales toward pacers. Stakes high: RCB’s seven triumphs from 11 (2nd) could yield top spot at 16 points, playoff berth locked. KKR’s 10-game ledger (5 losses, 8th) demands a turnaround.
KKR lineup: Rahane (c), Allen, Green, Raghuvanshi†, Powell, Pandey, Rinku, Narine, Roy, Arora, Tyagi.
RCB squad: Bethell, Kohli, Patidar (c), Jitesh†, David, V Iyer, K Pandya, B Kumar, Dar, Duffy, Hazlewood.
Spotlights on, the battle unfolds – will RCB’s bowlers exploit the elements?
