A security person stands under the rain shortly before the scheduled start of the Indian Premier League cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A digital display announces that the Indian Premier League cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is abandoned due to the rain, at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
A fan holds a jersey received from the great India international and Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s player Virat Kohli days after he announced his retirement from the test cricket, before the start of the Indian Premier League cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Titleholder Kolkata eliminated as IPL returns with a damp squib
BENGALURU, India (AP) — The Indian Premier League’s much-anticipated restart was delayed for another day after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru-Kolkata Knight Riders game was washed out on Saturday.
A security person stands under the rain shortly before the scheduled start of the Indian Premier League cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
BENGALURU, India (AP) — The Indian Premier League’s much-anticipated restart was delayed for another day after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru-Kolkata Knight Riders game was washed out on Saturday.
Both teams received a point each but it wasn’t enough for defending champion Kolkata, which was eliminated from top-four contention with only one game remaining.
Bengaluru climbed atop the table and needs only one more point to secure a place in the knockouts.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The IPL was suspended for a week to Friday due to the military showdown between India and Pakistan. The Pakistan Super League also resumed on Saturday.
The IPL final, originally scheduled for May 25, was moved to June 3.
Saturday’s game also marked an emotional return to the playing arena for India great Virat Kohli, who announced his test retirement last Monday.
Fans arrived in great numbers wearing a white jersey to honor the ace batter, who played 123 tests for India and finished just short of 10,000 test runs.
Kohli has 505 runs in this IPL, for fourth highest. However, he never stood a chance of batting at home thanks to incessant rain in Bengaluru since Friday evening.
The Royal Challengers have two remaining round-robin games against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.
Kolkata’s last game is against already-eliminated Hyderabad on May 25.
Sunday’s doubleheader features Rajasthan Royals hosting Punjab Kings in Jaipur, and Delhi Capitals taking on Gujarat Titans in New Delhi.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Rajasthan is out of knockouts contention, while the other three sides are still alive.
Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines. º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøStar does not endorse these opinions.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation
FIRST UP
Get our free morning newsletter
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøStar Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation