We are back with the chase! The two umpires walk out to the middle. The Kolkata team is seen in a huddle along the ropes as the skipper Shreyas Iyer delivers his final pep talk before rallying his troupe to take the field. It will be Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra who will open the innings for Chennai. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for Kolkata. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Kolkata's journey in the match started with a harsh blow as their in-form opener, Phil Salt, fell victim to Tushar Deshpande on the very first delivery. However, amidst the early setback, Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi showcased resilience, navigating through a couple of challenging overs before unleashing a barrage of boundaries, propelling Kolkata to a promising 56/1 at the conclusion of the powerplay. With a solid foundation laid, Kolkata seemed poised for a substantial total. However, their fortunes took a sharp turn as Kolkata lost three crucial wickets in a span of just 15 balls, derailing their momentum and pushing them into a precarious position in the game. With the run-scoring becoming increasingly difficult and no batters able to break free from the shackles imposed by Chennai's disciplined bowling, Kolkata found themselves struggling to accelerate the scoring rate and kept losing wickets. Consequently, they were restricted to a below-par total of 137 runs which will need some extraordinary effort to be defended with the dew setting in. Will they be able to restrict the Chennai batting lineup? Or will it just be a walk-in-the-park chase for Chennai? We shall soon find out as the chase comes to you in a bit.

Ravindra Jadeja is down for a quick chat and says Mustafizur Rahman has been very effective on this wicket specially and the opposition batters aren't picking the slower one. Adds that if the dew comes, the wicket completely changes and if it doesn't then it stays the same but there is dew tonight. Mentions that the pitch is slow but not a rank turner and just bowled into the pitch. On being asked about his 100th catch, he jokes that he doesn't count the catches and reckons that they just need to bat sensibly as 138 should be easy to get on this pitch.

Chennai showcased a spectacular bowling performance, with their spinners finally hitting their stride and firing on all cylinders to restrict Kolkata to a meager score of 137 runs. Chennai couldn't have asked for a better start as Tushar Deshpande struck with precision, dismissing Phil Salt on the very first ball of the innings. However, just as Kolkata seemed to be gaining momentum with a resilient second-wicket partnership, Ravindra Jadeja rose to the occasion, asserting his dominance with the ball by scalping three crucial wickets in quick succession. His mesmerizing spell swung the momentum back in Chennai's favour, leaving Kolkata reeling and putting Chennai back in control. With the fall of wickets, the flow of runs dried up, and Chennai's bowlers capitalized on this opportunity, delivering tight overs in the middle phase of the innings. Their disciplined bowling display kept the Kolkata batters at bay, denying them any chance to settle and build substantial partnerships. As a result, Kolkata's formidable batting lineup was restricted to a modest total at the conclusion of the first innings. Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja were the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 wickets each while Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with a couple of wickets and Maheesh Theekshana with one against his name.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anukul Roy, BYE! Just one extra run to end the first innings! Mustafizur Rahman finishes with another slower delivery, bowling this one full and wide of the off stump. Anukul Roy charges down the track and looks to heave it away but is well beaten and he continues running to the other end. Vaibhav Arora also scampers towards the keeper's end where MS Dhoni misses the shy on the under-arm throw. They do get a bye and Kolkata end with 137/9 on the board!

Mustafizur Rahman to Vaibhav Arora, Slower delivery, bowled into the pitch and angled well across the off stump, Vaibhav Arora reaches out and dabs it down in front of point for a single.

Vaibhav Arora is the last man to walk in for Kolkata.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mitchell Starc, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Starc finally gets a hold of one but hits it straight to the man in the deep. Banged in short over the stumps, Starc walks across to the off side, gets inside the line and smacks the pull down to deep square leg where Rachin Ravindra is stationed perfectly and he makes no mistake.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mitchell Starc, Another off-cutter, this time bowled a bit wider and shorter, Mitchell Starc comes down the track looking to hit across the line but is well beaten.

Mustafizur Rahman to Mitchell Starc, That was beautifully bowled! Another off-cutter almost bowled like a left-arm finger spinner, on a good length around off and gripping and turning back in sharply. Mitchell Starc hangs back and is completely take aback as the ball goes between bat and pad, just missing the off stump as well.

Mitchell Starc walks out to bat at number 10 for Kolkata.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shreyas Iyer, OUT! CAUGHT! 100 catches in the Indian T20 League for Ravindra Jadeja and what a game he is having! Mustafizur Rahman uses those lovely wrists to bowl a slower ball, short of a length and over the stumps. Shreyas Iyer stays back and tries to whack it away on the leg side but gets the height and not the distance. Jadeja runs in front from deep mid-wicket and keeps running with the ball in his grasp.

Tushar Deshpande to Anukul Roy, In the air...lands safely! Banged in on a hard length around off stump, Anukul Roy throws his hands at it and ends up lofting the ball high and without much timing towards mid on. There's no one inside the ring and the bowler himself goes after it but fails to get under it and puts in a desperate dive to no avail. Two taken.

Tushar Deshpande to Shreyas Iyer, Another shortish ball, slower too and around off, pulled away without much timing and uppishly as well through mid-wicket for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! Fortuitous for Shreyas Iyer but he will take it. A well-directed slower bumper from around the stumps and angled across the off stump. Iyer is early into the pull and gets a top edge right back over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande to Anukul Roy, Back of a length and outside off, sliced away off the back foot behind the point region for a run.

Anukul Roy, the impact substitute replacing Rinku Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

Tushar Deshpande to Andre Russell, OUT! CAUGHT! Tushar Deshpande gets his man and Andre Russell has to depart here. This is bowled on a hard length over the stumps, Dre Russ once again stays deep in the crease and tries to power it over long on but doesn't get the timing right. The ball is on its way down but Daryl Mitchell from long on moves to his left and takes a good diving catch to dismiss the dangerman. Tushar Deshpande picks up his third wicket now.

Tushar Deshpande to Andre Russell, FOUR! Full and wide, pace on this time, Andre Russell stays deep in his crease and generates enough power to slash it away flat over the point region for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande to Andre Russell, WIDE! An attempted slower bumper, bowled wide of the off stump and spilled beyond the tramline for a wide.

Mustafizur Rahman to Shreyas Iyer, Good running! Shorter in length around off stump, Shreyas Iyer swats it away in front of deep mid-wicket but can't quite pierce the gap. The batters through hustle back for a brace.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, In the air but safe! Banged in short and outside off, slower too, Andre Russell throws his hands at it and gets a top edge over backward point for just a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, WIDE! Good review! Another slower length ball, quite wide of the off stump and angling further away, Andre Russell leaves it alone but the umpire deems it a fair delivery. Kolkata do challenge it and the third umpire concludes that the ball did go beyond the tramline.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, DROPPED! Would you believe it? MS Dhoni has put down quite a simple chance and the entire Chepauk crowd cannot believe it. Mustafizur Rahman brings out the slower bumper now and pushes it across the right-hander. Andre Russell tries to force it over the point region but gets an outside edge that loops up well to the right of the keeper. Dhoni reaches it and sticks out a right glove but spills it.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, Gets away with it! Hard length outside off, slower too, Andre Russell goes a bit too hard at it and loses his shape before getting an under edge back to the keeper.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, NO BALL AND FOUR! Andre Russell doesn't miss out three times in a row and picks up a crucial boundary. Russell stands on off and middle stump and this is bowled full and quick around off, Russell is able to power the cover drive through covers for a boundary. Free Hit coming up...

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, And again! The off-cutter again from Mustafizur Rahman, bowled on a fullish length outside off and gripping after pitching. Andre Russell has to reach for the cut but can't get to it.

Mustafizur Rahman to Andre Russell, Swing and a miss! Comes from over the stumps and takes pace off right away. This is bowled full and wide at just 116 clicks and angling further away, Andre Russell looks to open up the off side and loft it away but is beaten.

Mustafizur Rahman (2-0-12-0) comes back into the attack.

Tushar Deshpande to Andre Russell, Back of a length and angled back in from outside off, Andre Russell with a late cut down to third man for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Andre Russell, Slightly back of a length and on a tight line around off, Andre Russell hops back and tentatively keeps it out.

Andre Russell walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

Tushar Deshpande to Rinku Singh, OUT! PLAYED ON! Another one bites the dust and Rinku Singh has been put out of his misery here. Tushar Deshpande goes into the pitch again and angles it across the off stump. Rinku tries to get across the off stump and pull it away but the ball doesn't quite come on and Rinku is early in the shot. The ball takes the inside edge of the bat and goes back onto the stumps knocking the bails over. Tushar is elated and Kolkata slip further.

Tushar Deshpande to Rinku Singh, Perfect! The slower bumper now, not very slow but just rolling the fingers across the ball and gets it at a perfect height around off. Rinku Singh leaves it in hopes of a wide but won't get it.

Tushar Deshpande to Rinku Singh, Short and outside off, Rinku Singh reaches out and slashes the ball away just behind deep point where Rachin Ravindra fumbles a bit and allows the batters to come back for the second run with ease.

Tushar Deshpande to Shreyas Iyer, On a good length on off stump and slanting it back in, Shreyas Iyer just gets inside the line a bit and flicks it down to fine leg for a single.

Strategic break! Chennai has executed a remarkable turnaround, seamlessly halting the flow of runs by denying any opposition batter the opportunity to settle. With only four overs remaining, Kolkata will be banking on their powerhouse finishers to unleash a flurry of lusty blows, propelling their total to a formidable one.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Shortish length on the body, tucked away off the hips behind square leg for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! A despairing dive in the deep but the first boundary in 25 balls comes up for Kolkata and it was much-needed for them as well. Slower again, a bit shorter and angled into the batter, Shreyas Iyer pulls it with the angle and between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Shardul Thakur to Rinku Singh, In the air but lands safely! Banged in quick and short over middle and leg, extracting a bit fo extra bounce as well, Rinku Singh gets rushed while looking to pull and gets a top edge towards the vacant mid-wicket region for a run.

Shardul Thakur to Rinku Singh, Well bowled! Slower one, bowled into the deck and angled well across the off stump, Rinku Singh looks to come forward but has to reach out and toe-ends it down to wide long on for a couple of runs.

Shardul Thakur to Rinku Singh, NO BALL! Pace on now, bowled full and around off, just angling across, Rinku Singh looks to stay low and slog it away but misses. The siren goes off which means Shardul Thakur has overstepped and a Free Hit will now follow.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length over off and middle, Shreyas Iyer with another swat across the line and he mistimes it badly towards short fine leg off the inside edge for one. The 100 is finally up for Kolkata.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Nicely bowled! Good length, wide of the off stump and bowled slower. Shreyas Iyer just swings across the line but the ball stays low and Iyer misses by a long way.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shreyas Iyer, Bowls this fuller and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer pushes it to long off for a single to end the over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rinku Singh, Goes fuller and on off stump line, Rinku Singh slices it to point for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rinku Singh, An absolute peach! Gets the ball to drift and turn a bit, on a fuller length, around middle and off, Rinku Singh gets beaten on all ends trying to block it straight.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shreyas Iyer, Drops the length short over middle and off, Shreyas Iyer pulls it over mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shreyas Iyer, Fuller and outside off, Shreyas Iyer looks to cut it square but is beaten.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shreyas Iyer, Bowls this shorter and over off, Shreyas Iyer rocks back and picks this up aerially to deep mid-wicket. Rachin Ravindra sprints to the ball and does exceptionally well to cut the ball off for just two runs.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, A big mix-up after a brilliant fielding effort but the batters eventually cross. A length delivery on off, Shreyas Iyer tucks it to left of backward point where the fielder dives to his left and grabs the ball. The batters decide for the run and meet mid way and decide to get back. The fielder throws the ball way further from Shardul Thakur allowing the batters to get through to complete the run.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Bangs the deck on a length, just over off, Shreyas Iyer looks to whip it across the line but misses out as the ball zips over the top of the stumps.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, WIDE! Drops the length very sort outside off, Shreyas Iyer leaves it alone as the umpire calls it a wide.

Shardul Thakur to Rinku Singh, Good length around the top of off, deftly played with an opened bat face towards third man for just one more.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length over off stump, Shreyas Iyer stands tall and tucks it through mid-wicket, calling for two but he will have to settle for the single.

Shardul Thakur to Rinku Singh, On a good length over middle and leg, Rinku Singh gets his hands out in front and pushes it square on the leg side for another single.

Shardul Thakur to Shreyas Iyer, Bangs it in well short and over off stump, Shreyas Iyer rides the bounce well and pulls it down through square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rinku Singh, Quicker and fuller on off, Rinku Singh pushes it to left of the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rinku Singh, Drifts this on a fuller length, on off, Rinku Singh presses ahead and blocks it to mid off.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Quicker and fuller on off, Shreyas Iyer tucks it to the offside, and sets off for the run but is sent back. A slight overthrow then allows the batters to cross.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Drifts this one outside off, on a fuller length and gets the ball to grip a bit and turn away, Shreyas Iyer looks to push at it but misses out on any connection.

Ravindra Jadeja to Rinku Singh, Gets off the mark! A quicker delivery, bowled on a fuller length, into the stumps, Rinku Singh delicately tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Digs this fractionally short on middle, Shreyas Iyer takes a step across and tucks it to deep square leg for one run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Rinku Singh, Pushes this fuller and into the stumps, Rinku Singh drops his bat in the front and blocks it to short mid-wicket.

Rinku Singh is the new man in.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ramandeep Singh, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Maheesh Theekshana has the last laugh and Kolkata now lose half their side. Bowls the carrom ball on a fuller length on middle, Ramandeep Singh looks to cut it square on off but gets deceived and the ball whizzes past the outside edge to rattle the top of middle stump.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ramandeep Singh, SIX! Just over the ropes!Bowls this fuller and attacks the stumps, Ramandeep Singh makes room for himself and wacks it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shreyas Iyer, Pushes this quicker and fuller on the hips, Shreyas Iyer gets his bat in front and looks to tuck it but gets a thick outside edge towards long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ramandeep Singh, Quicker and shorter on middle and leg, Ramandeep Singh swivels across and half pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Ramandeep Singh, Bowls this fuller and on off, Ramandeep Singh punches it to right of the bowler off the backfoot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! A much-needed boundary this! Jadeja pushes this through on a fuller length on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer manages to just open the bat face enough, guiding the ball past the diving short third man for four runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, Bowls this into the pitch on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Ramandeep Singh makes room and pushes it to long off for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Darst this fuller and into the stumps, Shreyas Iyer taps it to long off and gets to the other end.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Slightly quicker this time, on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer pushes it to mid off.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Pushes this through on a fuller length into the pads, Shreyas Iyer gets an outside edge towards point trying to block it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, 1 run.Sees the batter making room and digs this short down leg, Ramandeep Singh manages to cut it square on off for a single.

Rachin Ravindra to Ramandeep Singh, This is short and wide, Ramandeep Singh backs away and slaps it firmly but straight to the man at sweeper cover for another single.

Rachin Ravindra to Shreyas Iyer, Nicely tossed up on the fifth stump line, punched away off the front foot to deep cover for just another single.

Rachin Ravindra to Ramandeep Singh, Slower through the air and bowled on a fuller length outside off, Ramandeep Singh fetches the ball and sweeps it away in front of mid-wicket for one more.

Rachin Ravindra to Shreyas Iyer, Full and on off stump, pushed down to long off for a single by Iyer.

Rachin Ravindra to Shreyas Iyer, Turn and bounce! Floated up on a nagging length on off stump and the ball grips, taking Shreyas Iyer aback but he manages to keep it down behind point.

Rachin Ravindra to Shreyas Iyer, Starts off with a flighted delivery, drifted into middle and leg on a fuller length as well, Shreyas Iyer pushes it out towards cover.

Rachin Ravindra is introduced into the attack.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, Pushed through a bit quicker and shorter around off, this is cut away late but straight to short third.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, On the shorter side and around off, punched away sweetly towards cover for another dot.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, Quick and short angled into the body, Ramandeep Singh gets cramped for room and can only manage to play it back to the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Ramandeep Singh, Lifted high into the night sky and in the gap as well. Pushed through a bit full around off, Ramandeep Singh makes room and lifts the ball high over the cover region for a couple of runs. He has made his intentions clear right away.

Strategic break! Ravindra Jadeja's masterclass, right after the powerplay, swiftly altering the game's momentum by dismissing three batters, has proven to be a game-changer in the blink of an eye. Kolkata will be rueful over the loss of quick wickets but will need to stitch a strong partnership to navigate through the middle overs of the game where Chennai typically thrives. With that, Ramandeep Singh walks out to bat next for Kolkata.

Ravindra Jadeja to Venkatesh Iyer, OUT! TAKEN! Daryl Mitchell with a fine catch in the deep and Ravindra Jadeja has 3 wickets in just 8 legal deliveries and gives the batter a bit of a send off as well. Dropped quite short and around off stump, Venkatesh Iyer looks to rock back and pull but never gets into a good position and just goes through with the shot. Venkatesh Iyer ends up shanking the ball in front of deep mid-wicket where Mitchell comes in and dives to his right to grab it with both hands. Kolkata in a spot of bother now and Venky just never looked settled at the crease.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, On a good length, sliding onto the pads, this is worked away to deep square leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, A tad short and around off, Venkatesh Iyer manages to cut this one away past short third. Ravindra Jadeja hunts it down and keeps it down to a brace.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, Maheesh Theekshana has Venkatesh Iyer on a string here. This was a beauty though, bowled slightly full on leg stump and the ball just spun square, beating the outside edge and missing the stumps by a whisker as well.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, Four dots on the trot now! Slightly shorter and close to the off stump, Iyer can't cut it away and ends up jamming it out.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, Beaten all ends up! Another variation as this one is pushed across the left-hander on a good length, Venkatesh Iyer has an agricultural heave across the line but misses.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, Bowled quicker and on a nagging length again on off stump, Venkatesh Iyer goes back to a relatively full ball and gets an under edge on the bounce to the keeper.

Maheesh Theekshana to Venkatesh Iyer, Nagging length around leg stump, this one holds a bit in the deck and bounces extra too, Venkatesh Iyer is taken aback but managed to push it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Venkatesh Iyer, On a good length and on the pads, flicked away through square leg for a single to end the over.

Venkatesh Iyer walks out to bat at number 5 for Kolkata.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sunil Narine, OUT! CAUGHT! Double impact from Ravindra Jadeja in his first over and he has turned the game on its head. Jadeja drops the ball well short but angles it across the left-hander. Sunil Narine is caught on the crease and just throws his hands at it looking to go downtown. One hand comes off the handle and the ball gets lofted down to long off where Maheesh Theekshana comes in a bit and takes it reverse-cup just over his head. Kolkata have now lost both their set batters inside one over.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Full and wide again to the right-hander, Shreyas Iyer leans on and strokes it through wide mid off for one more.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sunil Narine, The length is dragged short and this is bowled around leg stump, Sunil Narine goes on the back foot and flicks it on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sunil Narine, WIDE! Bowled slightly full and pushed well outside the off stump for a wide.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shreyas Iyer, Bowled fuller and a bit wider of the off stump, Shreyas Iyer drives it away on the up through covers to get off the mark with a single.

The skipper of Kolkata, Shreyas Iyer walks out to bat at number 4.

Ravindra Jadeja to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, OUT! LBW! That looked straight and Angkrish Raghuvanshi doesn't even take the review and starts walking after a brief chat with Narine at the other end. Ravindra Jadeja comes from around the stumps and bowls it quick and flat, angling into middle and leg but just straightens a bit after pitching. Raghuvanshi looks to take him on right away with a reverse sweep but misses the ball and gets pinged on the front pad. Kolkata lose their second wicket as Jadeja makes an instant impact with the ball.

Mustafizur Rahman to Sunil Narine, Ends with a dot and only 6 runs come off the final over of the Powerplay, Kolkata are 56/1! Hard length close to the off stump, Sunil Narine doesn't get the room to free his arms and ends up jamming it back onto the turf.

Mustafizur Rahman to Sunil Narine, WIDE! An attempted slower ball, full and spilled down the leg side for a wide.

Mustafizur Rahman to Sunil Narine, This is aggressive bowling from the Fizz and that extra short ball allowed in the over certainly comes as a relief to the bowlers. This is bowled quick as well and over middle, angled in, Sunil Narine ducks under it well.

Mustafizur Rahman to Sunil Narine, Well bowled! bends his back a bit more and grunts in before serving a quick bumper around off. Gets the height spot on as well and Sunil Narine leaves it alone.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Back of a length and angling across the off stump, Angkrish Raghuvanshi stands tall and punches it away square through the off side for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Bangs this one into the deck around off, Raghuvanshi looks to step out but has to adjust and just dabs it down to Daryl Mitchell at backward point.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Angkrish Raghuvanshi with a lovely shot. Full and wide, bowled at just 115 clicks, Raghuvanshi stays back and reaches out before just angling it away wide of the man at short third and the ball runs away into the fence.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sunil Narine, SIX! That's a big one! Overpitches this into the stumps, Sunil Narine stands tall and smokes it over mid off for half a dozen. Kolkata are now cruising through after a tough start.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sunil Narine, Skids this one through, on a fuller length and on leg, Sunil Narine looks for the big swing but misses this onto his front pad.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sunil Narine, A tad quicker this time around on a fuller length, into the hips of Sunil Narine who flicks it straight to square leg fielder.

Maheesh Theekshana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Digs this a touch shorter and angles it in from middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, SIX! BOOM! Sounded just sweet off the bat! Maheesh Theekshana pushes this one into the stumps, on a fuller length, Angkrish Raghuvanshi gets his front leg out of the line and clubs it straight over the bowler's head for a biggie!

Maheesh Theekshana to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Comes from over the wicket and bowls this one fuller and outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi cuts it to cover.

Maheesh Theekshana comes into the attack now.

Shardul Thakur to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Bowls this on a length, and over middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi tucks it to mid-wicket and squeezes a single.

Shardul Thakur to Sunil Narine, Takes pace off and spears a yorker into the stumps, Sunil Narine manages to dig it to the off side and steals a quick single.

Shardul Thakur to Sunil Narine, FOUR! Boundaries coming thick and fast now! Shardul Thakur bowls a half volley, into the stumps, Sunil Narine clears his front leg and drills it straight down the ground to long off fence for a boundary.

Shardul Thakur to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Angles this in, on a length, from off stump line, Angkrish Raghuvanshi tucks it to square leg region and rotates the strike.

Shardul Thakur to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Gets this straighter and fuller in length, on middle and off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi punches it to point.

Shardul Thakur to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Not the ideal start for Shardul Thakur with the ball! Comes from over the wicket and angles it in on a good length but down leg, Angkrish Raghuvanshi just flicks it fine of the short fine leg fielder for four runs.

Shardul Thakur has now been handed the ball.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, A dot to end the over! Bowls this on a good length on middle and leg, Sunil Narine looks to play across the line but misses out and the ball wears him on the body.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, SIX! Up, up and over! This is a great over for Kolkata as 19 runs come off it with one more ball to go. Tushar Deshpande bangs the deck on a length and on leg, Sunil Narine just clicks it off his pads and gets enough for the ball to go over Daryl Mitchell at square leg for a maximum.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, WIDE! Goes shorter and hits the deck hard but down leg, Sunil Narine leaves it alone for a wide.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, FOUR! Top shot! Tushar Deshpande bowls this a touch fuller and into middle and off stump line, Sunil Narine plants his front leg out and whips it over mid off for the third boundary off the over.

Uh, oh! Sunil Narine seems to be struggling a bit with his fitness and the physio comes out to have a look. It seems to be the left shoulder that is giving Narine a bit of grief at the moment. Thankfully, Narine seems fine and we are good to continue.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, Drops the length short and angles this across outside off, Sunil Narine goes for the big swing through off but misses out on any connection.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, FOUR! Off the bat this time! Tushar Deshpande bangs this on a length and on leg again, Sunil Narine manages to tuck it behind square of the wicket on the leg side for four more runs.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, FOUR LEG BYES! Tushar Deshpande comes from over the wicket and bowls this on a length, on leg, Sunil Narine looks to flick it but misses out. The ball brushes his thigh pad and races away to the fine leg fence for four runs.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Another good over for Chennai! Fizz takes pace off and bowls the fuller length delivery, outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi is beaten by the pace off as he looks to slice it on off.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Bowls this on a good length, outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi looks to cut it square on off but misses out.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! A good counter punch by the youngster! Mustafizur Rahman bowls this slightly fuller and outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi takes a step out and wacks it over mid off for the first boundary of the game.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Hurls this on a good length, on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi plants his front leg ahead and tucks it to backward point.

Mustafizur Rahman to Sunil Narine, Takes pace off a bit, and bowls it on a back of a length, over middle and off, Sunil Narine pulls it off the outer half of the bat towards mid on for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Comes from over the wicket and bowls on a fuller length, on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi waits on and opens the bat face steering the ball to deep third man for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to operate from the other end.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, A top over to start for Tushar Deshpande! Angles this across on a length, outside off, Sunil Narine frees his arms and looks for the slice but gets beaten again.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, Swing and a miss! Bangs the hard length yet again on leg, Sunil Narine doesn't get enough room but looks to heave it across, but misses. The ball whizzes past the inside edge towards MS Dhoni.

Tushar Deshpande to Sunil Narine, Lands this nicely on a hard length, on middle and off, Sunil Narine half pulls it to wide mid on.

Tushar Deshpande to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Kolkata and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are off the mark! Another good delivery, shaping back into the right-hander from off stump line, Angkrish Raghuvanshi opens the bat face a bit and tucks it wide of short third for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Bowls this on a length, just outside off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi punches it towards cover.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi walks in at number 3.

Tushar Deshpande to Phil Salt, OUT! CAUGHT! Chennai couldn't have asked for a better start! Tushar Deshpande comes from over the wicket and bowls the outswinger, on a fuller length and outside off, Phil Salt extends his arms and goes for the big drive over the infield on off. He times it well but doesn't get the desired elevation chopping it over Ravindra Jadeja at backward point who jumps up and takes a good catch with both the hands.

All in readiness for this big clash to begin. The umpires take their places on the field and so do the Chennai players after huddling up near the boundary rope. The dynamic duo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine will open the innings for Kolkata. It will be Tushar Deshpande to take the new ball for Chennai and he is raring to go. Let's go...

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper of Kolkata says they would have bowled first as well had they won the toss. Adds that the approach and attitude along with the adaptability to situations and how each of the players has stepped up makes him feel good as a captain. Mentions that their character will define how they play here and they will look to keep things simple and focus on the present. Concludes that they go unchanged into this game.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper of Chennai says that it is a good toss to win and there will be dew and informs that they will bowl first. Adds that the losses haven't dented their confidence as the margins weren't big and they have had a few forced changes here and there and want to win this game. On Kolkata, he says that they have been playing well but wants to focus on their own performance. Ends by informing that Pathirana is still out but Mustafizur is back and Chahar also has a niggle, so Shardul and Rizvi come back in as well.

Impact players nominated by Kolkata - Suyash Sharma, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sakib Hussain.

Kolkata (Playing XI) - Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact players nominated by Chennai -  Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Mitchell Santner.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.

Chennai have won the coin flip and Ruturaj Gaikwad opts to BOWL first.

Kolkata led by Shreyas Iyer, strides into this match with a wave of confidence, having emerged victorious in all three of their previous encounters, firmly positioned at the second spot on the league table. The dynamic opening partnership of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt has been instrumental, laying a solid foundation for Kolkata's batting lineup to flourish. On the bowling front, the team appears well-balanced, with Mitchell Starc hitting his stride and bolstering the unit's effectiveness. With each player contributing to the side's success the team has shown cohesiveness which will prove the key yet again in this game. As they prepare to face the formidable Chennai side, the battle promises to be a stern test of their mettle. Can they maintain their winning streak and overcome the defending champions to breach the fortress? We shall soon find out as the Toss and team news come to you in a bit.

Chennai, under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, face a crucial juncture in this season. Despite a strong start with consecutive wins at home, they've stumbled in both of their away fixtures which has resulted in them slipping down the points table to the fourth position. Now, as they return to the familiar confines of the Chidambaram Stadium, the team will be determined to reignite their winning momentum. Both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra will carry the weight of expectation, knowing that their contributions at the top order have proved pivotal in Chennai's success. The absence of key bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman has notably dampened the potency of Chennai's bowling unit, resulting in their inability to contain opposition batters effectively. Despite valiant efforts from the remaining bowlers, the lack of substantial impact has proven costly in the team's recent defeats. Against the undefeated Kolkata side, Chennai's resolve to bounce back will be fueled by the passionate support of their home crowd as they aim to turn their fortunes around and secure a vital victory.

Greetings and a warm welcome to the electrifying encounter of match number 22, all set to dazzle the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known as the fortress of the formidable Chennai team, this clash promises to be another thrilling spectacle as they prepare to lock horns with the undefeated juggernauts from Kolkata.

... MATCH DAY ...

The Indian T20 League's caravan is once again headed for Chennai for another eagerly awaited clash, as the home team gears up to take on the formidable Kolkata side at the Chepauk fortress in Match 22. Chennai, the hosts, have had a rather lukewarm journey so far, marked by two initial victories followed by consecutive defeats. On the other hand, Kolkata remains the undefeated force in this tournament, having clinched victory in all three of their matches and exuding confidence. Chennai is reeling from a recent humbling defeat against Hyderabad and must address several issues before this match. The absence of two crucial overseas pacers, Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana, was keenly felt. Mustafizur Rahman missed the game due to Visa issues, and his participation in the match against Kolkata is not confirmed yet, as he had to return to his home country, while Matheesha Pathirana couldn't make it to the XI due to a minor niggle. Consequently, their bowling unit appeared lackluster and faced significant challenges in taking wickets. The form of Deepak Chahar is particularly worrying for the yellow-clad team, as he has struggled to make an impact during the Powerplay overs. This has intensified the pressure on the other bowlers, who, truth be told, have also been struggling to find their form. Furthermore, Ravindra Jadeja's bowling prowess has yet to shine in this tournament. In terms of batting, Rachin Ravindra, despite two impressive innings, has encountered difficulties in finding his form and will be eager to provide Chennai with a solid start alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has had a moderate performance with the bat himself. Chennai's batting unit has generally thrived when both openers navigate the Powerplay overs effectively. However, in the last two games, losing one of them early has disrupted their rhythm at the crease. Daryl Mitchell's performance with the bat remains under scrutiny too. Notably, only Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube have made notable contributions with the bat. Dube, in particular, has showcased his ability to strike the ball with brute force from the get-go and inflate the scoring rate. But overall, the onus lies on how the bowlers perform against the batting-heavy Kolkata side. Kolkata has looked solid so far in all departments, with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine providing a blistering start to the innings with the bat, making the job easier for the others to follow. Venkatesh Iyer has shown promise too with the bat. The new sensation in town, the young Angriksh Raghuvanshi, just might have cemented his place in the eleven with his sensational 54 off just 27. In the middle order, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell have rescued the side responsibly as well. Due to their well-oiled batting lineup, Kolkata scored a mammoth 272 in the previous game against Delhi, falling just five short of breaching the highest total ever. With the ball, Mitchell Starc has finally found his mojo after being smashed right, left, and center in the first two games. That two-wicket haul against Delhi would be a huge confidence booster for him. Vaibhav Arora performed equally well in the absence of Harshit Rana, while Varun Chakravarthy has paid dividends as well. Overall, it's the competition between the in-form Kolkata unit versus the defending champions Chennai, who have an admirable habit of maintaining a strong record at their fortress of Chepauk. Also, Chennai enjoys a better head-to-head contest against the team in purple and would stride with an aim to get back to the winning ways again. Chennai has always been a spin-friendly track and the bowlers like to take the pace-off from the ball bowling at this surface. Ravindra Jadeja against Andre Russell would be a good match-up to look forward to. With the kind of spin attack Chennai boasts, it would quite engaging to see how the Kolkata batters negotiate it. Will they upset the home team? Or will Chennai continue to hold their fortress unbreached? Whose side are you on?