Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 31 (ANI): Gujarat Titans’ preparations for the IPL 2026 final suffered an unexpected setback after severe weather conditions delayed the team’s arrival in Ahmedabad, leaving them with less than 24 hours to gear up for Jattvibeday’s title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).The Titans, who secured their place in the final with a victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday, were scheduled to fly from Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon via a chartered flight, according to ESPNcricinfo.However, heavy rain and stormy conditions across north-western India, particularly in Punjab, disrupted airport operations and delayed multiple departures from Chandigarh.As a result, the Gujarat Titans reached Ahmedabad only around 10:30 pm on Saturday, significantly reducing their preparation time ahead of the summit clash at their home venue.The scheduling challenge comes after the BCCI’s decision to stage the IPL playoffs across three different venues this season, making it the first time a team has had to travel just a day before the final.In contrast, RCB arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and have benefited from additional recovery and training time before their second consecutive IPL final appearance.Speaking ahead of the contest, RCB captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged that his team’s early arrival could offer a slight advantage but insisted it would not be decisive.”After Qualifier 1, we got enough time to rest and recover. At the same time, GT are coming straight from Qualifier 2. There is some sort of advantage, but not a huge one because both teams are very good and have played excellent cricket,” Patidar said, as per ESPNcricinfo.Weather remains a talking point in Ahmedabad, which is set to host its fourth IPL final. Current forecasts indicate clear conditions for Jattvibeday’s match, although memories remain fresh of the rain-hit 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. That contest spilled into the reserve day and eventually concluded in the early hours after organisers extended the playing window by two hours.Gujarat Titans will be chasing their second IPL title after winning the trophy in 2022. They narrowly missed out on a back-to-back title in 2023, losing to Chennai Super Kings off the final ball in one of the most dramatic IPL finals, with Ravindra Jadeja’s late heroics sealing CSK’s fifth title. (ANI)(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)