The restart of the Indian Premier League ended in a washout between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday night. But even with the match called off, some magical things stole the spotlight.
And now, all eyes turn to Super Sunday -- a doubleheader that could completely reshape the playoff scenario for several teams.
Here’s your full dispatch from the IPL world for May 18.
Chinnaswamy Witnesses Magic!
Match 58 of the IPL marked the resumption of the season after a week-long suspension due to border tensions between India and Pakistan. However, clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned due to persistent rain in Bengaluru.
Despite the washout, fans witnessed a rare and emotional evening as RCB supporters turned up in white jerseys to pay tribute to Virat Kohli’s farewell from Test cricket. In a moment that felt almost poetic, a flock of white pigeons flew across the rain-soaked Chinnaswamy Stadium -- as if nature itself joined in to honour the occasion.
KKR Elimination:
Following Saturday’s washout, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have slipped out of playoff contention. Currently placed sixth with 12 points from 13 matches, KKR have just one fixture left -- against the already-eliminated SunRisers Hyderabad on May 25.
What Is At Stakes In This Super Sunday ?
The playoff race is heating up with only five teams -- RCB, GT, PBKS, MI, and DC -- vying for the remaining four spots.
Sunday’s doubleheader could prove decisive for many teams. Rajasthan Royals face Punjab Kings in Jaipur, playing only for pride, while Delhi Capitals host Gujarat Titans in a must-win clash.
Here’s how the scenarios play out today:
If RR beat PBKS: RCB qualify for the playoffs.
If GT beat DC: Both RCB and GT secure qualification.
If PBKS beat RR and GT beat DC: RCB, GT, and PBKS all qualify.
If PBKS and DC win: The race stays wide open -- no team seals a spot today.
Orange Cap Battle:
The oRange cap battle might see victory for Gujarat titans after Sunday's double header as the top five list includes three of the GT batters - Sai Sudharan at 2dn with 509 runs, and Shubman GIll third with 508 runs. Jos Buttler is fifth with 500 runs.
Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Inidnas are leading with 510 runs, And RCB's Virat Kohli is placed fourth with 505 runs.
New Leader For Purple Cap?
In the Purple Cap race, Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna is neck and neck with CSK’s Noor Ahmad at the top, both having picked up 20 wickets. RCB’s Josh Hazlewood sits third with 18 wickets, edging past Mumbai Indians’ Trent Boult--also on 18--thanks to a superior economy rate.
