The race to the IPL 2026 title has now reached its decisive stage as Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare for a high-pressure Qualifier 2 clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. With a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the line, both teams will enter the knockout encounter knowing there is no margin for error.
However, weather concerns have suddenly become a major talking point ahead of the crucial fixture. With fans eagerly awaiting clarity, many are wondering what happens if rain washes out the all-important Qualifier 2.
IPL rules for washed-out Qualifier 2 matches
Unlike the IPL final, Qualifier 2 does not have a reserve day in IPL 2026. However, the IPL governing council has allocated an additional 120 minutes of extra time to help complete the fixture in case of interruptions caused by rain or a wet outfield. Match officials will attempt every possible scenario to produce a result. This includes delayed starts, shortened contests, reduced-over chases, or even a Super Over shootout if only a limited time window becomes available later in the evening.
But if weather conditions completely prevent any result from being achieved, the IPL playing conditions clearly favour the team that finished higher in the league-stage standings. That means the Gujarat Titans would automatically qualify for the IPL 2026 final if the match gets washed out. Gujarat finished second on the points table with 18 points from 14 league games, while Rajasthan ended fourth with 16 points. As a result, GT would progress to the summit clash against RCB without needing to play a single ball in Qualifier 2.
Why Gujarat Titans hold the advantage?
The Titans earned this important cushion through their strong league-stage campaign under Shubman Gill. Despite losing Qualifier 1 against RCB in Dharamsala, GT still retain the benefit of finishing above RR in the standings. Gujarat have consistently been among the most balanced sides this season, powered by the explosive opening combination of Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Their bowling attack, featuring the likes of Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, has also delivered in crucial moments throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals enter the clash with momentum after their commanding Eliminator victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Led by Riyan Parag, RR have shown remarkable resilience in the second half of the season and will now need another big performance to keep their title hopes alive. Unlike Gujarat, however, Rajasthan do not have the luxury of progressing through a washout scenario. They must win on the field to reach the final.
New Chandigarh weather forecast for GT vs RR Qualifier 2
Weather forecasts for Friday evening in New Chandigarh remain concerning. Rain activity has already impacted nearby areas, while temperatures across the region have dropped significantly following overnight showers. Forecasts suggest partly cloudy conditions with possible thunderstorms during the evening hours around match time.
Strong winds ranging between 50-80 kmph could also affect playing conditions if rain arrives during the contest. Although organisers will hope the extra 120-minute window helps complete the game, interruptions remain a strong possibility.
The good news for fans is that conditions are expected to improve gradually later in the night compared to earlier in the day. Still, both franchises, especially Rajasthan Royals, will be anxiously watching the skies ahead of one of the biggest matches of IPL 2026.
