IPL 2026: Rain-Hit Toss Sees RCB Bowl First Against KKR in Raipur

In a rain-soaked spectacle at Raipur, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar called correctly at the toss for IPL 2026's 57th fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders, opting to bowl under overcast skies. The delay – toss at 8:30 PM, play from 8:45 PM – came after relentless showers, yet the full quota of overs remains intact, promising a full-blooded contest. Patidar elaborated post-toss: 'Bowling first suits us. This wicket mirrors our previous outing here, with consistent behavior expected. We'll keep them under the cosh. Confidence is peaking across the squad; good cricket is our mantra now. Venkatesh Iyer is in for Shepherd.' Rahane, leading KKR, kept it measured: 'Four wins on the trot – we're taking it match by match. Saurabh replaces the unavailable Varun.' The day's weather woes began early: 30 minutes of rain at 4:30 PM prompted covers. Drizzle returned at 6:15 PM mid-super sopper work, escalating to heavy rain and lightning by 6:35 PM, covering the field anew. Umpires Pandit, Menon, and Gandhi inspected amid cautious cover removals, with lightning forcing revised timings. Five minutes pre-toss, skies cleared sufficiently. Bowlers could dominate on this batsman-unfriendly Raipur track, especially with dampness aiding swing and seam. RCB (7/11 wins, 2nd place) craves a win for 16 points and playoff certainty. KKR (5/10, 8th) seeks revival. Full KKR XI: Rahane (capt), Allen, Green, Raghuvanshi (keeper), Powell, Pandey, Singh, Narine, Roy, Arora, Tyagi. RCB XI: Bethell, Kohli, Patidar (c), Sharma (wk), David, Iyer, Pandya, Kumar, Dar, Duffy, Hazlewood. With moisture in play, this clash could redefine both teams' campaigns in the IPL race.