The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs are set to intensify as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday evening. With a place in Qualifier 2 on the line, both teams enter the contest knowing that a single defeat will end their title hopes. However, alongside the cricketing narratives surrounding the clash, weather concerns and IPL regulations have also become a major talking point ahead of the knockout encounter.
IPL rules for a washed-out Eliminator match
Unlike the IPL final, there is no reserve day allocated for the Eliminator, Qualifier 1, or Qualifier 2 matches in IPL 2026. If rain interrupts the SRH vs RR clash, the match officials will first attempt to complete a shortened contest using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
In situations where a full game cannot be conducted, the IPL playing conditions also allow officials to organise a standalone Super Over to determine the winner. However, if persistent rain or unplayable conditions prevent even a Super Over from taking place, then the team that finished higher in the league-stage standings automatically progresses to the next round.
Since Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third on the points table while Rajasthan Royals secured fourth place, SRH would qualify for Qualifier 2 in the event of a complete washout with no result possible.
Why SRH hold the advantage over RR
Sunrisers Hyderabad ended the league phase with nine wins and five defeats from 14 matches. Although they finished level on wins with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), their comparatively lower net run rate forced them into the Eliminator instead of Qualifier 1. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, secured the final playoff berth after winning eight of their 14 league matches. RR had to wait until the final stages of the league campaign to confirm qualification.
The Hyderabad franchise has been powered by an explosive batting line-up this season. Heinrich Klaasen has been their standout performer with 606 runs at a strike rate close to 160, while Ishan Kishan has enjoyed a remarkable campaign with 569 runs and six half-centuries. Alongside Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, SRH possess one of the most destructive batting units in the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have largely depended on teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The young batter has smashed 583 runs at a staggering strike rate above 230 and has already struck 52 sixes this season. Jofra Archer has led their bowling attack brilliantly with 21 wickets, consistently troubling batters with his pace and bounce.
Weather forecast for SRH vs RR Eliminator in New Chandigarh
Fortunately for fans, the weather forecast currently looks extremely favourable for uninterrupted cricket in New Chandigarh. Despite scorching daytime temperatures touching 45°C and heat alerts being issued across the region, rain is not expected to affect the contest. Forecasts indicate a 0 percent probability of rainfall throughout the evening, with temperatures gradually dropping from around 43°C at the start of the evening to nearly 34°C later in the night. Humidity levels are also expected to remain manageable, ensuring relatively dry playing conditions.
While rain interruptions appear highly unlikely, the heat could still play a role physically, especially for fast bowlers and fielders during the early stages of the match. Dew may arrive later in the second innings, potentially making chasing slightly easier under lights. With no reserve day available and knockout pressure at its peak, both teams will be desperate to settle qualification on the field rather than through technical regulations. If weather stays away as expected, fans can look forward to a blockbuster Eliminator between two explosive batting sides battling for survival in IPL 2026.
