RCB vs GT: What happens if rain interrupts IPL 2026 qualifier 1? Know all about reserve day and who advances to final

The Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). Both teams are gearing up for the this epic showdown. Meanwhile, the playing conditions for IPL 2026 have also been revealed. What will happen if rain interrupts the Qualifier 1 match between RCB and GT? Has a reserve date been given for this game? If there is no reserve day, then which team will reach the final directly if the game gets washed out? Answers to all these questions have now emerged.

How will the weather be in Dharamshala?

The Qualifier 1 will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. Coming to the weather report, conditions in Dharamshala are set stay mostly clear. 

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However, rain is predicted for around two hours during the match day, and an orange alert has also been issued. Despite that, the weather is likely to stat clear by the time match starts in the evening. The maximum temperature is set to be around 21°C, while the minimum could drop to 14°C. Therefore, fans are likely to witness a full match.

Is there a reserve day for Qualifier 1?

As per the playing conditions for the IPL 2026 season, there is no provision for a reserve day for the playoff games. A reserve day has been scheduled only for the IPL 2026 final. 

No reserve day has been mentioned for any other playoff game. Interestingly, the IPL 2023 final was played on the reserve day because of several rain interruptions. With keeping that in mind, the organizers have once against allotted a reserve day for the 2026 final.

What happens if the game gets abandoned?

If the qualifier game between RCB and GT gets abandoned because of rain without even a single ball being bowled, then the points table will determine which team goes to the final. In case both teams are tied on points, then the decision will be taken on Net Run Rate (NRR). At present, RCB have a better NRR than GT. Therefore, if the game gets washed out, RCB could reach for the final without playing.

Although extra time has been allocated for the playoff games to make sure that at least a five-over-preside game can take place under any situation.