On May 13th, the rain washed over the Gujarat Titans’ desire to be champions during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season of 2024. The Titans were playing against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and they had to win in order to stay in contention for a place in the playoffs- the place where teams compete at the premier competition level- at Narendra Modi Stadium of Ahmedabad; though it was not to be.
Gearing for a playoff spot, champions of the 2022 IPL season, Gujarat Titans entered the league decider against KKR. Titans were bent on booking a knockout berth following a slight margin with the top four sides. The weather, however, had different plans
The rain and lightning began to increase in intensity just as the game was starting and it kept increasing. Although the pitch was well-prepared by the ground staff, continuous heavy rainfall made it impossible to proceed with the game. Finally, the match was officially abandoned after a long delay bringing disappointment to both sides’ players and their supporters.
While the rain spelt doom for the Titans, it brought relief to the Kolkata Knight Riders, securing them a top-two finish in the league standings. This guaranteed KKR a place in the prestigious Qualifier 1 of the playoffs, offering them a safety net even if they stumble in their first playoff match.
Also Read: IPL 2024: The Final Four Teams Headed To The Playoffs!
The Gujarat Titans had a tough time but they accepted the defeat. With an exceptional performance from start to end, the team suffered a great loss due to the rain-affected washout all along. Several social media posts emerged from these reactions critiquing fairness, enquiring on the best way other rain-affected games could be handled especially among the Titan’s followers’ masses.
As the IPL playoffs unfold, attention shifts to the remaining teams vying for the coveted trophy. The remaining competition is watching as the final games of the IPL playoffs happen, with Gujarat Titans no longer in the run
The heavy rains which prevented the players of both Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders from reaping any victory hint at the high unpredictability of sports. Adieu to the Gujarat Titans’ aspirations of defending their title this year; everything is exactly as it should be – from among the four remaining top teams are likely to emerge in hard-fought matches that will determine who the ultimate winner will be
