1st Test Bengaluru Weather Update: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 2?

The first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is under threat from the unpredictable Bengaluru weather as persistent rains loom large. After the entire opening day of the Test was washed out due to incessant rain, fans and players alike are anxious about whether the weather would continue to play spoilsport on Day 2.
Wednesday’s weather was always expected to be a concern, and it lived up to the gloomy forecasts. Despite the ground staff’s best efforts, a steady drizzle kept the covers on throughout the day, forcing play to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Players like Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal turned to indoor facilities for practice, while rain-soaked fans waited in vain.
IND vs NZ, 1st Test Day 1 Weather Highlights
This is the second consecutive Test match involving India that has been affected by rain, casting a shadow over the much-anticipated start to the three-match Test series against the Black Caps.
BENGALURU THURSDAY WEATHER FORECAST
Unfortunately, Thursday is expected to offer only a marginal improvement. According to Accuweather, there is a 40% chance of rain and a 24% chance of thunderstorms, which is only slightly better than Wednesday’s 41% rain prediction. While it gives a sliver of hope that some cricket may be possible, conditions remain far from ideal.

Bengaluru Weather (AccuWeather Screengrab)

The forecast indicates cloudy skies, intermittent drizzle, and the possibility of scattered thunderstorms later in the day. Early morning showers could delay the scheduled start time of 9:15 AM IST, with the toss expected at 8:45 AM. The conditions are likely to improve only briefly, making it possible that we might witness just one session of cricket at best.
CHINNASWAMY’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM TO THE RESCUE?
A silver lining for hopeful fans lies in the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s cutting-edge drainage system. The SubAir system, installed in 2017, has made the venue one of the best-prepared in the country to handle rain interruptions. This system can drain 10,000 liters of water per minute, ensuring the ground is ready for play just 15 minutes after the rain stops, no matter how heavy the downpour.
However, if the rains continue as forecast, even the advanced drainage system may not be enough to prevent further disruptions to play. As the skies threaten to disrupt play, the question remains – will the rain gods relent and give Bengaluru’s cricket fans something to cheer for, or will another washout leave them disappointed?