race for IPL 2026 as the title has already reached the decisive stage Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare for a high-pressure Qualifier 2 clash Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. With a place in the opposite final Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the line, both teams will enter the knockout match knowing there is no margin for error.
However, weather concerns suddenly became a major talking point ahead of the crucial meeting. With fans anxiously awaiting clarity, many are wondering what will happen if rain washes out the all-important Qualifier 2.
IPL rules for Qualifier 2 matches
Unlike the IPL final, Qualifier 2 does not have a spare day in IPL 2026. However, the IPL governing body has allowed an additional 120 minutes of extra time to complete the match in case of interruptions caused by rain or wet pitch. The match officials will try all possible scenarios to get a result. This includes delayed starts, shortened innings, reduced chases or even Super Over innings if a limited time window is available later in the evening.
But if the weather completely prevents the desired result from being achieved, the IPL playing conditions are clearly in favor of the team that finishes higher in the league standings. This means that Gujarat Titans will automatically qualify for the IPL 2026 final if the match takes place. Gujarat finished second in the points table with 18 points from 14 league games, while Rajasthan finished fourth with 16 points. As a result, GT would advance to the summit clash with RCB in Qualifier 2 without needing to play a single ball.
Why Gujarat Titans have the upper hand?
The Titans won this crucial cushion with a strong league-stage campaign Shubman Gill. Despite losing the Qualifier 1 against RCB in Dharamsala, GT still retains the advantage of finishing above RR in the standings. Gujarat have consistently been among the most balanced sides this season, bolstered by the explosive opening combination of Gill and Gill. Sai Sudharsan. They have a bowling attack, the likes Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabadaalso spoke at key moments throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals enter the clash fast after their commanding win over the Eliminator. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). led Rian ParagRR 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, Rajasthan does not have the luxury of going ahead with a washout scenario. They have to win on the field to reach the final.
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New Chandigarh weather forecast for GT vs RR Qualifier 2
The weather forecast for Thursday in New Chandigarh is still ongoing. Rain activity has already affected nearby areas, with temperatures dropping significantly in the region after overnight showers. Forecasts predict that the weather will be cloudy, there will be lightning in the evening, and there will be a thunderstorm near the time of the match.
If it rains during the competition, strong winds of 50-80 km/h can also affect the playing conditions. Stoppages remain a strong possibility, although organizers hope the extra 120-minute window will help the game finish.
The good news for fans is that overnight conditions are expected to gradually improve compared to earlier in the day. Still, both the franchises, especially the Rajasthan Royals, will be eagerly watching the skies ahead of one of the biggest games of IPL 2026.
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