Learn about how reserve days in the IPL Final. Find out when they’re used, how they function, and remember notable moments like the rescheduling of the IPL 2023 final to the reserve day.
What is a Reserve Day in the IPL?
Reserve days in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are used to ensure crucial knockout matches get a result when they can’t be completed on their original dates. If weather conditions prevent a match from being held or completed, it is moved to a reserve day, allowing the game to continue from where it was interrupted. Unlike starting the game afresh, the match resumes from the point of stoppage, without any reduction in overs.
For a result to be possible, each team must play at least 20 overs. If this isn’t possible, the match will be played on the reserve day, continuing from the last ball bowled.
ALSO READ: Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan’s White-Ball Captain
Example: IPL 2023 Final Reserve Day
A good example of a reserve day in action was the IPL 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). Scheduled for May 28, 2023, in Ahmedabad, the game was postponed due to rain and rescheduled for May 29.
If the rain had continued on the reserve day, Gujarat Titans would have been crowned champions, as they had topped the points table during the league stage, in line with IPL’s rules. However, before that conclusion, multiple scenarios would have been considered. The cut-off time to start a full match was 9:35 pm IST. In case of further delays, a shortened match of five overs per side could have begun as late as 12:06 am IST. Alternatively, a Super Over could have started by 1:20 am IST.
To prepare for rain, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) gave clear guidelines for fans who purchased tickets. Fans had to bring the tickets they bought for Sunday to watch the match on Monday. Damaged tickets were also acceptable, but all pieces had to be presented. Fans without sufficient details on their tickets would not be allowed entry.
Previous Reserve Days in IPL History
IPL 2014 Playoff Reserve Day
The last time an IPL knockout match was moved to a reserve day was in 2014 during Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Due to rain in Kolkata, the match was moved to the following day. This match was unique, as it was held at 4 pm IST, the only afternoon match for an IPL knockout.
Back then, the criteria for using a reserve day were similar. A minimum of 10 overs per side had to be completed, and if that couldn’t happen, the match was moved to the reserve day. If the team batting second couldn’t face at least five overs, the result was determined using the DLS method or, if no play was possible, league standings.
Reserve Days in Other Cricket Tournaments
The First Reserve Day: 1979 Cricket World Cup
One of the earliest examples of a reserve day in cricket took place in the 1979 World Cup during a match between Sri Lanka and India. In that tournament, Sri Lanka won the ICC Trophy, qualifying for their second World Cup appearance.
2002 Champions Trophy Final: India and Sri Lanka
The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka also used a reserve day. On September 29, the match was interrupted by rain, leading to a new game on September 30. However, rain again disrupted play, and both teams were eventually declared joint winners.
2019 World Cup Semi-Final: India vs New Zealand
In the 2019 World Cup, the semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford was moved to a reserve day because of rain. New Zealand batted first and scored 239/8. In response, India lost key wickets early, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, all for just one run each. Despite late efforts from Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50), India ended at 221, giving New Zealand an 18-run victory.
READ MORE:
