IPL 2026 Playoffs: Who Reaches Final if RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 Gets Washed Out Due to Rain?

The league stages of IPL 2026 have concluded and the action is set to shift towards the playoffs. Qualifier 1 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on 26 May in Dharamsala after they finished at the top two positions on the table.

RCB finished at the top with 18 points in 14 games and a net run rate of +0.783. Gujarat Titans ended on 18 points having won nine games, but second due to a net run rate of +0.695.

The winner of Qualifier 1 will proceed directly to the IPL 2026 final, whereas the losing team will have a second chance in Qualifier 2.

One main fear before the match, however, is the threat of rain.

No Reserve Day for Qualifier 1

Different to ICC tournaments, the IPL does not possess a reserve day for Qualifier 1, Eliminator and Qualifier 2. It is only the final of the IPL play-offs which possess a reserve day, which is to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

If rain interrupt the Qualifier 1 clash between RCB and GT, officials will first attempt to finish the game on the same day. An additional 120 minutes has been allocated to the IPL to facilitate the completion of the fixture.

Every attempt will be made to stage at least a five-over match for both teams, even if there is a delayed start.

However, should rain persist and the game remain incomplete even after the allotted extra time, the IPL will implement its rules based on the league standings.

RCB Hold Major Advantage Over Gujarat Titans

If Qualifier 1 between the two sides gets abandoned due to rain, the higher-placed team in the league standings will get direct entry to the IPL 2026 finale.

The direct qualification to the IPL 2026 final automatically means RCB go through, as they secured the top position in the league stages.

However, Gujarat Titans, despite having similar points to the Challengers, won't be out of the tournament completely. They would get one more shot in Qualifier 2, against the winners of the Eliminator match.

RCB's better net run rate became the decisive factor in the standings, and it may turn out to be a major advantage if the weather disrupts the play on the given date.

The weather forecast in Dharamsala will thus be keenly observed by both teams before they clash in Qualifier 1.

While the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches will be held at New Chandigarh, the final encounter is slated to be played on May 31 at Ahmedabad.

With no reserve days allocated for the early playoff matches, a direct advantage is present for higher ranked teams in the league if rain causes a delay.