Kolkata, April 5 Kolkata Knight Riders, who are still without a win, could face an additional challenge from the weather when they play against Punjab Kings in their IPL match here on Monday.
According to the IMD weather bulletin, there is a high chance of rain affecting the match, which could also result in a shortened game.
With their match against Lucknow Super Giants next here – a game that also has a rain forecast – the weather could further exacerbate KKR's early-season concerns.
Incidentally, Kolkata Knight Riders' home match against Punjab Kings last season on April 26 was also affected by rain, with both teams settling for a point each.
The Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings had posted 201/4 before Kolkata Knight Riders reached 7/0 when rain dashed hopes of a result.
There has been persistent cloud cover since morning following a "low-pressure trough stretching from Bihar to Manipur, passing over North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh", as per the IMD.
"The state is likely to witness another round of Kalbaishakhi storms, with the possibility of hail and thunderstorms from Sunday through Thursday. The intensity and spread of rainfall are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday," the IMD said.
"The weather is expected to turn more severe on Tuesday, when Kalbaishakhi storms accompanied by winds of 50-60 kmph, lightning and rain are likely to impact Kolkata and adjoining areas."
The scheduled practice sessions of both teams were cancelled on the eve of the match following a heavy afternoon downpour, with the Eden Gardens outfield remaining under covers and patches of water visible.
With rain threatening to spoil the game, the cut-off timings leave a narrow window for even a shortened contest.
A minimum five-overs-a-side match can only be played if action begins by 10.56 pm, the absolute deadline to ensure a result.
In such a scenario, the toss would need to take place by 10.46pm.
A five-over shootout, if it comes to that, turns into a high-intensity contest with little room for consolidation, placing a premium on power-hitting.
However, if no play is possible by the cut-off time, the match will be abandoned, with both teams sharing one point each.
KKR's rain-hit campaign last season also included a washout in Bengaluru, which hurt their playoff chances as they eventually finished eighth in the 10-team standings
