We are back! Chennai walk out to start the Run Chase and it is the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad who will open the batting along with the talented Rachin Ravindra as they look to chase down 174. Bengaluru have brought in Yash Dayal in the place of Dinesh Karthik as the Impact Player. Mohammed Siraj to start the attack for Bengaluru. Let's Play!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

As the curtains fall on the first innings, the stage is now set for Chennai's batters to take centre stage and embark on their pursuit of the target of 174 runs within the stipulated 20 overs. With the momentum swinging in their favour, Bengaluru will look to carry the momentum into their bowling performance, while Chennai will aim to capitalize on their bowlers' efforts and mount a successful run chase. The thrilling encounter promises to deliver an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess as both teams gear up to battle it out in the run chase. Stay tuned.

Dinesh Karthik is in for a chat. He says that he felt a bit rusty and was finding his form till the end. Shares that it was not as smooth as he would have liked but feels that it happens at the start of a competition and he is slowly trying to get into the groove. Reckons that it is a great wicket and opines that they are under par. Mentions that they need a partnership in the middle phase after losing quick wickets and Anuj Rawat batted well to string a partnership. Further adds that a six in the final over from him would have gotten them past 180. Ends by saying that they will have to bowl out of their skins here to defend the total.

Bengaluru commenced their innings on a blistering note, courtesy of a stellar performance from their skipper, Faf du Plessis, who blazed his way to 38 runs off 25 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries during the Powerplay overs. However, Bengaluru soon found themselves reeling under the onslaught of Mustafizur Rahman, who wreaked havoc with a sensational four-wicket haul for Chennai as he dismantled the entire top order of the Bengaluru batting line up. Deepak Chahar's crucial dismissal of the dangerous Glenn Maxwell on the first ball, further dented Bengaluru's top order, leaving them precariously placed at 78/5 after 11.4 overs. Nonetheless, the resilience displayed by Karthik and Rawat staged a remarkable comeback for Bengaluru, steering them to a competitive total of 173.

A decent finish for Bengaluru after the setbacks in the middle phase but it will be Chennai who will be the happier of the two sides! The first innings of the highly anticipated season opener between Chennai and Bengaluru in the Indian T20 League 2024 has drawn to a close. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bengaluru showcased a commendable batting display, posting a competitive total of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The late resurgence in the innings, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Anuj Rawat and the seasoned campaigner Dinesh Karthik, proved instrumental in Bengaluru's recovery after a shaky start. Rawat's explosive knock of 48 runs off just 25 deliveries, embellished with four boundaries and three towering sixes, provided the much-needed impetus to Bengaluru's innings. Karthik's composed unbeaten innings of 38 runs off 26 balls, featuring three boundaries and two maximums, further bolstered Bengaluru's total and propelled them to a formidable score.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, OUT! RUN OUT! A run out to end the innings and this was a decent final over from Tushar Deshpande. After going for 25 runs in his third over, this has been a comeback of sorts from Tushar. Full and outside off, Dinesh Karthik moves to the off side to go big on the leg side. He misses and they set off for a quick single. It dribbles towards MS Dhoni who gathers it cleanly and fires an underarm throw. He hits the stumps at the batting end and catches Rawat short of his crease despite the dive. Bengaluru finish with 173 on the board!

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Slower and fuller, outside off, Dinesh Karthik walks across to the off side and looks to go big down the ground. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies to the right of short third for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, TWO WIDES! Gets it wrong does Tushar as this way outside leg, on a full length, Anuj Rawat lets it go. MS Dhoni fumbles a bit and allows the batters to sneak in a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, Takes pace off and angles it across the left-hander, on a length, on off, Anuj Rawat misses the hit and it brushes his pad on the way to the keeper.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, On a yorker length, outside off, Dinesh Karthik goes for the reverse scoop and gets it off the inside edge and it goes down to fine leg for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Serves a yorker again but this goes way outside off and Dinesh Karthik holds his ground this time. Wided.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Another well-executed delivery from Tushar Deshpande. An identical delivery from Tushar as this is on a fullish length, outside off, it slips past the wide tramline. Dinesh Karthik fails to connect and opts for the review again for wide. The third umpire confirms that it will be a dot because Karthik had move way outside off.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Another review taken by Dinesh Karthik for a wide not given! Desphande sees the batter make room and hurls it beyond the tramline on off. Dinesh Karthik walks across and goes for a heave across the line but misses. The third umpire is called into action and he reckons that Karthik has significantly moved to the off side. It will stay as a dot.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Tushar tries to keep it away from the batter but ends up serving it beyond the tramline on off, Dinesh Karthik lets it go for a wide.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Leg bye! Nails the yorker, on the pads, Dinesh Karthik stays deep in his crease to slog it across the line but misses. The ball raps him on the pads and it rolls to square leg for a leg bye. 16 runs off the penultimate over for Bengaluru and they now have their eyes set on 180.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Mustafizur bangs into the surface but the line is on leg, Dinesh Karthik has to fetch the pull from over his head but fails to put bat to ball. The square leg umpire deems it as a legal delivery. Karthik is certain that it has gone over his head and it should be a wide. He takes the review and the replays confirm the same. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Easy pickings! Mustafizur tries to attack the stumps with a full delivery but ends up bowling it too straight, on the pads, Dinesh Karthik just has to get some bat on it and he succeeds in doing so. Karthik has a swipe across the line and gets it off the inner half of the bat to the right of fine leg for a boundary.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Just short! Goes short now, around off, slower as well, Anuj Rawat runs it down and it drops in front of the diving Deepak Chahar at short third. They cross.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, SIX! Anuj Rawat is turning on the heat here! He takes on Mustafizur Rahman and gets the maximum reward. Mustafizur with a slower delivery, on a good length, on middle, Anuj Rawat skips down the track and gets momentum into the shot. Hits it back over the bowler's head and just about manages to clear the fence. Moves to 47 now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, A full toss, there to be hit, on off, Dinesh Karthik loses his shape a bit and miscues the slog towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, In the air...but safe! Mustafizur rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a length, outside off, Dinesh Karthik clears his front leg and looks to clear Ruturaj Gaikwad at mid off who is standing inside the circle. Gets it off the toe-end of the bat and skies it high in the air. Gaikwad turns around but fails to get there in time. The ball evades him and the batters run two.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, FOUR! Helped away with ease and Bengaluru collect 25 runs off that over! Takes pace off does Deshapnde and bowls it on a shortish length, on middle, Anuj Rawat picks the change of pace and rolls his wrists to help it up and over short fine leg for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, SIX! Anuj Rawat has picked the bones out of that! Desphande gets the yorker wrong and hurls a full toss, outside off, Anuj Rawat walks across his stumps and swings with all his might to smack it over wide long on for six more runs.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, A direct hit and Dinesh Karthik was a goner! Angling away from the left-hander, at pace, Anuj Rawat drills it on the bounce to mid off. Dinesh Karthik sets off for a single and gets sent back by Anuj Rawat. Ruturaj Gaikwad picks it up cleanly but misses the shy at the bowling end.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, SIX! BOOM! That has gone many a mile and Anuj Rawat gets into the six-hitting act now! Desphande errs in line and length and serves it on a length, on middle, at 124 kph, Anuj Rawat picks up the length early and leaves nothing in the tank. Smacks it way over deep square leg for a biggie.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Slower and straighter, on a good length, top of off, Dinesh Karthik waits for the ball to arrive and glides it to short third for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Slips it on a fullish length but it is beyond the tramline on off. Left alone by Dinesh Karthik for a wide.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Tushar Deshpande takes pace off and bangs into the wicket. outside off, Dinesh Karthik gets this one at a good height and slaps it flat over the bowler's head for a maximum. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Sees the batter move to the off side to play the scoop and Tushar Deshpande tries to follow him but it is still too wide outside off.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Nicely bowled! Rolls his fingers over the ball cleverly and bowls it on a hard length, outside off, Anuj Rawat does not pick the change of pace and shapes up to run it down to deep third but gets undone by the lack of pace. He fails to connect and the ball drops in front of MS Dhoni. Good comeback from Mustafizur after being hit for a boundary on the second ball.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Angling across the batter, on a back of a length, cut away to deep backward point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, WIDE! Way too short from Mustafizur, on leg, Dinesh Karthik tries to fetch the pull from over his head but misses. It has been called the first bouncer of the over and in case you were not aware, two bouncers are now allowed in an over in the Indian T20 League.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Takes pace off and bowls it on a hard length, closer to the off-stump line, Anuj Rawat gets cramped for room as he looks to glide it wide of short third. Wears it on the gloves and the ball rolls beside the pitch on the off side for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Angling in, on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat can only push this one back to the bowler with a straight bat.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, FOUR! Not in complete control but Anuj Rawat gets the boundary! Bangs in a sharp and quick bumper at the left shoulder, Anuj Rawat gets into a bit of a tangle as he tries to hook it away. The ball gets big on him and it flies off his gloves to the left of the keeper for a boundary.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Mustafizur begins from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length, on off, Anuj Rawat gets behind the line and stabs it down the deck.

Strategic Break! It is Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat to the rescue for Bengaluru as they are 116/5 after 16 overs with both these batters rotating well between the wickets. Anuj Rawat has moved onto 20 off 13 and is looking calm for a big one. Dinesh Karthik carries the impression of a world-class finisher and both these batters can turn things around in the remaining 4 overs. Chennai bowlers have been very good so far. Mustafizur Rahman sitting on 4 wickets already and will get the ball again soon. Don't miss out on the action after the break.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, SIX! A gift and Dinesh Karthik accepts it gleefully! Maheesh Theekshana goes searching for the yorker but misses his mark as he serves a juicy low full toss, at the stumps, Dinesh Karthik backs away and holds his shape to thump it over long on for his first maximum. Back-to-back fruitful overs for Bengaluru. 12 runs off the previous over and 14 came off this one. Theekshana ends with figures of 4-0-36-0. Not a great first outing for the Sri Lankan mystery spinner.

Maheesh Theekshana to Anuj Rawat, Pulls his length back and bowls it on middle, Anuj Rawat gets on his toes and nudges it to deep mid-wicket to rotate the strike.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Fires it in, on a yorker length, on off, Dinesh Karthik makes room and squeezes it out to deep cover for one. A boundary on the first ball followed by three singles.

Maheesh Theekshana to Anuj Rawat, Pushes it through, flatter and shorter, on middle and leg, Anuj Rawat turns this one wide of backward square leg for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, Keeps it short and on off, Dinesh Karthik pats it in front of extra cover and calls Anuj Rawat through for a quick single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Dinesh Karthik, FOUR! Dinesh Karthik sweeps and sweeps well! On a nagging length, around off, Dinesh Karthik reaches out in front and rolls his wrists to control the sweep. Drags the shot to the left of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Anuj Rawat, FOUR! Nicely played! Second boundary of the over, a good one for Bengaluru. Deepak Chahar bowls it short outside the line of the off stump and Anuj Rawat waits on it and plays an upper cut over the head of MS Dhoni and gets a boundary on the bounce.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, Slower ball outside the off stump line, shorter in length. Dinesh Karthik pulls it away off the front foot towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Anuj Rawat, Bangs in short outside the line of the off stump, and Anuj Rawat runs down the track and slaps the ball towards sweeper cover for another single.

Deepak Chahar to Dinesh Karthik, Slower ball, fuller outside the off stump line. Dinesh Karthik drives the ball late and wide of Ravindra Jadeja at point for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Anuj Rawat, Hits the shorter length on top of the leg stump. Anuj Rawat stays back in the crease and flicks the ball to fine leg for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Anuj Rawat, FOUR! Nicely timed, full toss, easy pickings for Anuj Rawat! Deepak Chahar starts off poorly outside the off stump and Anuj Rawat times the ball off the front foot between mid off and covers to pick up a superb boundary. A boundary after 29 balls for Bengaluru.

Deepak Chahar (3-0-25-1) will bowl out now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Anuj Rawat, Holds the length back on the stumps. Dinesh Karthik pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Dinesh Karthik, Leg bye! Dinesh Karthik tries to execute a reverse sweep but gets a hit on the pads and the ball rolls towards square leg for a single as a leg bye.

Ravindra Jadeja to Anuj Rawat, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Anuj Rawat taps it to the right of cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Anuj Rawat, Bowls the ball short and on the leg stump line. Anuj Rawat looks to pull it away but gets a top edge that lobs over MS Dhoni. It rolls towards the fine leg region for a couple of runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Dinesh Karthik, Tosses the ball up outside the off stump line. Dinesh Karthik takes out the front foot and drives the ball to sweeper cover for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Anuj Rawat, Holds the length short at the batter. Anuj Rawat flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, Another tidy over, just 4 runs off it and Tushar Deshpande finishes with a full delivery on the pads of Anuj Rawat who flicks it down to fine leg for a run.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Hits the length outside the off stump. Dinesh Karthik plays at it late and manages to run it down to deep third this time for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Holds the length back just outside the off-stump line. Dinesh Karthik looks to run it down to deep third but gets the inside part of the bat and the ball trickles past the base of the off-stump.

Tushar Deshpande to Anuj Rawat, Hits the length on the pads and Anuj Rawat flicks it to the right of deep square leg but only manages to get a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Bangs in short on top of the off stump line and Dinesh Karthik pulls it away to long on for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Dinesh Karthik, Pitches the ball up on the line of the off stump and Dinesh Karthik takes the front foot out and blocks it off well.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Holds the length back on top of the off stump line. Dinesh Karthik stays back and flicks it back towards square leg for a single to end the over.

Mustafizur Rahman to Dinesh Karthik, Fires it up outside the line of the off stump with pace. Dinesh Karthik takes the foot out and lets the ball go through.

Dinesh Karthik is the new batter. A halt in play as one of the two bails has been damaged after taking a blow on the previous ball. The bail has been replaced and we are good to go now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Cameron Green, OUT! TIMBER! Mustafizur Rahman gets his 4th and he is running through the Bengaluru batting lineup! Bowls a ball on a good length from over the wicket, right on top of the leg stump. Cameron Green moves away from the line of the ball to give himself room and looks to access the off side. In the end, he totally misses the ball as he tries to cut and it hits the top of the leg stump. Bengaluru have now lost half their side with just 78 on the board.

Mustafizur Rahman to Anuj Rawat, Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Anuj Rawat gets right behind the line and pats it to long on for a single to get off the mark.

Anuj Rawat comes out to the middle now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Virat Kohli, OUT! CAUGHT! Sheer brilliance in the field by Ajinkya Rahane tagging along with Rachin Ravindra to send back Virat Kohli! Mustafizur Rahman once again turns it around for Chennai! Bangs in short at the body of the batter and Virat Kohli goes for a big pull and times it flat but to the right of Ajinkya Rahane at deep mid-wicket who sprints to that side and slides to grab it. Before his momentum takes him beyond the fence, he flicks the ball to Rachin Ravindra rushing in to his right. Ravindra coming in from deep square leg does the rest and sends back Virat Kohli.

Is that out? Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra have combined exceptionally near the ropes and seem to have pulled off a brilliant catch. Virat Kohli has started to walk off and yes, the third umpire is happy with the effort on the boundary line.

Mustafizur Rahman to Cameron Green, Bowls a slower ball on the off stump line. Cameron Green taps the ball to the right of covers for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Continues to spear it in, on a nagging length, on middle, Virat Kohli tries to push it down the ground but mistimes it back to the bowler. A miserly over from Jadeja, just the single off it.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Floats it up on top of the stumps. Virat Kohli looks to run it down to square leg but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Pitches the ball up on the line of the middle stump. Virat Kohli makes room and drives the ball straight to covers.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Holds it short on the line of the stumps and Cameron Green flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Fires it full on the stumps with pace. Cameron Green strokes it back to the bowler and some words being exchanged in a friendly banter between Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Holds the length back on top of the off stump. Cameron Green stays back and taps the ball to covers.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, This one spins away from the right-hander, short and around off, Cameron Green waits on it and punches it to wide long on to keep the strike with a single. A productive over for Bengaluru, 12 runs off it and at the halfway mark, they are 75/3.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Keeps it on a fullish length, on middle, Virat Kohli eases it with a straight bat to long on to pick up another single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, On a fullish length, on middle, Cameron Green gets his bat out in front and jabs it to the right of extra cover for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Pushes this one through at 101.4 kph, full and on middle and leg, Virat Kohli turns this one through square leg and gets to the other end.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, SIX! BANG! Short and punished! Way too short from Maheesh Theekshana, on middle, Virat Kohli does not miss out as he goes on the back foot in a flash and nails the pull over deep mid-wicket for his first maximum.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Tosses it up and bowls it full, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli gets his weight on the front foot and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Strategic Break! Bengaluru after 9 overs are struggling at 63/3 after a brilliant start by their skipper Faf du Plessis. Chennai have managed to pick up 3 wickets quickly and push them back. It's the pair of Virat Kohli and Cameron Green at the crease building a partnership for their side. Let's see what happens after the break.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Slips in a full delivery but the line is on the pads, Virat Kohli presses forward and works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Angling into the right-hander, short and on middle and leg, Cameron Green nudges it through mid-wicket to rotate the strike.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, FOUR! Nicely done! Jadeja drops it a bit too short and on middle, a bit of extra bounce, Cameron Green makes room and adjusts well to the extra bounce to cut it wide of short third for a boundary. Jadeja went against the plan there. Ajinkya Rahane was planted at short cover before this delivery as Chennai believe that the Aussie drives a shade uppishly but by dragging the length short, Jadeja spoiled the plan.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Drags his length back a touch and bowls it on off, Cameron Green is through his shot early and pushes it on the bounce to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Fires it in from around the wicket, full and on leg, Virat Kohli gets forward and tucks it through square leg for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Slides onto the pads with the angle, Cameron Green flicks this full delivery to deep backward square leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, Attacks the stumps and bowls it short, Cameron Green waits on the back foot and plays it with a straight bat to long on for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Cameron Green goes back in his crease and rides the bounce to cut it to the left of deep point for two more runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Short and wide on off, Virat Kohli frees his arms and cuts it to deep point to get to the other end.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Slows it up and dishes out the googly, full and on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet and swats it aerially but to the left of mid-wicket for a couple of runs. The 50 comes up for Bengaluru.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, Slanting into the right-hander, short and on leg, Cameron Green goes on the back foot and punches it to long on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Cameron Green, Hurls it flat and on a nagging length, on off, Cameron Green punches it straight to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Flatter and shorter, on off, Cameron Green rocks back and cuts it to deep point to retain the strike with a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Drifting on the pads, full in length, Virat Kohli turns this one in front of square on the leg side and takes a single. Kohli brings up 12,000 T20 runs with this single. Another feather in the cap for the Indian batter. He becomes the second-fastest to reach the landmark in terms of the number of innings taken.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Goes full now, on off, Cameron Green knocks it with a straight bat to long off and rotates the strike.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, A hint of turn, on a nagging length, on off, Cameron Green dabs it down to backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Cameron Green, Gives the ball a bit of air and bowls it full, on off, Cameron Green presses forward and strokes it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli, Tosses it up, full and around off, Virat Kohli drives it through covers for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Cameron Green, Bangs into the deck again, around leg, Cameron Green is quick to duck to let the ball pass. At the end of the Powerplay, Bengaluru are 42-3.

Deepak Chahar to Cameron Green, Serves it on a length, on off, Cameron Green stabs it down on the off side.

Deepak Chahar to Cameron Green, Bends his back and bangs it in short, over off, Cameron Green ducks and lets it go through to the keeper.

Cameron Green is the new batter.

Deepak Chahar to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Deepak Chahar returns to the attack and strikes gold! Glenn Maxwell goes for a golden duck. A redemption from Chahar after going for 24 in his first two overs. Starts from over the wicket and serves it on a hard length, top of off, Glenn Maxwell stays leg side of the ball and tries to use the pace of the ball by opening the bat face. Ends up guiding it into the hands of MS Dhoni who moves well to his right to snaffle it with ease. After a quick start, Bengaluru are losing their way here.

Deepak Chahar to Virat Kohli, This is on a short of a length, on middle, Virat Kohli pulls it from the crease wide of mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Deepak Chahar to Virat Kohli, Chahar takes pace off this time and bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli shapes up to flat bat it back over the bowler's head but connects with thin air.

Glenn Maxwell makes his way out to the centre.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rajat Patidar, OUT! Two in the over for Mustafizur Rahman! Chennai turn things around! Mustafizur Rahman angles one outside the off stump from a good length with pace and Rajat Patidar, looking to run it down to deep third for a single only manages to get a faint outside edge back to MS Dhoni who takes an easy catch to send Rajat Patidar back.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rajat Patidar, Pitches the ball short at the top of the leg stump. Rajat Patidar flicks it down to mid-wicket from the crease.

Mustafizur Rahman to Rajat Patidar, Hits the length hard outside the off-stump line, leaves the batter after pitching. Rajat Patidar gets beaten from the crease as he looks to punch it away on the off side.

Rajat Patidar is in at number 3 for Bengaluru.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faf du Plessis, OUT! CAUGHT! Chennai get their man and it's Mustafizur Rahman who gets them the breakthrough! Bowls a slower ball outside the line of the off-stump line, fuller, asking for the big shot. Faf du Plessis goes for a wild swing and slices it up in the air to the left of Rachin Ravindra at sweeper cover who runs in and takes a brilliant catch to send back Faf du Plessis.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Looks in an amazing touch Faf du Plessis and it has been a total rampage! Mustafizur Rahman hits the length hard outside the off stump line and Faf du Plessis slaps the ball between covers and mid off and its runs away to the boundary like a bullet.

Mustafizur Rahman to Faf du Plessis, Pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Faf du Plessis lets the ball go through.

Mustafizur Rahman comes on to bowl now, replacing Deepak Chahar.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Faf du Plessis drives the ball to long on for a single to end the over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Short and wide outside the off stump. Virat Kohli cuts it hard to the right of point where Ravindra Jadeja dives to that side and stops the ball well but the batters still pick up a quick single as the ball trickles towards cover-point.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, Bye! Misses everyone and the batters take a single. Maheesh Theekshana bowls it short outside the leg stump line as Faf du Plessis looks to make room and pull it but misses. The ball hits MS Dhoni on the pads and the batters run a single as the ball rolls to short fine leg.

Maheesh Theekshana to Faf du Plessis, Short ball outside the line of the off stump, flatter. Faf du Plessis taps it straight to covers from the crease.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Holds the length back on top of the stumps. Virat Kohli knocks it away in front of mid on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Virat Kohli, Floats it up on the line of the stumps. Virat Kohli flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Finishes the over in style! Another boundary for Faf du Plessis! Deepak Chahar bangs in short at the body of the batter with pace and Faf du Plessis pulls it away flat and hard over the head of square leg for another boundary on the bounce. 17 runs off the over and Bengaluru are flying here.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Pitches the ball up on the line of the stumps. Faf du Plessis flicks it down to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Two in two for the Bengaluru skipper! Deepak Chahar bowls it short and wide outside the off stump and Faf du Plessis swings his bat with power, taking the ball over the head of covers for a one-bounce boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Faf du Plessis is only dealing in boundaries! Chennai on the backfoot! Deepak Chahar hits the length on top of the off-stump line and Faf du Plessis launches it over the head of mid off once again on the rise. The ball races towards the long off boundary line.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Holds the length back on top of the off stump line this time. Faf du Plessis stays on the crease and cuts the ball towards point.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, WIDE! Too short outside the off stump line. The ball flies over the head of Faf du Plessis and the umpire says wide. MS Dhoni leaps and sticks out his left hand to make the stop.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Starts the over off with another boundary! Faf du Plessis is on a rampage! Deepak Chahar pitches the ball up outside the off-stump line and Faf du Plessis makes a bit of room and hits the ball through the line, in the air, beating mid off over his head for four more runs.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, Holds the length back on the line of the stumps. Faf du Plessis flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single to keep strike in the next over.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, Great stop! Short and wide again outside the off stump. Faf du Plessis looks to cut the ball but the ball keeps a bit low and he gets an inside edge. It goes on the bounce to the left of MS Dhoni who dives and stops the ball well. Those reflexes are still sharp.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, Bowls on a good length on top of the off stump. Faf du Plessis taps the ball straight to covers from the crease.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Cuts and cuts hard! Another ball short outside the off stump from Tushar Deshpande and Faf du Plessis stays back and gets on top of the bounce to cut the ball along the ground through covers to pick up another boundary for his team.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, Bowls it short and it keeps low! Faf du Plessis looks to pull it but gets beaten by the lack of bounce. The ball brushes his thigh pad on its way to MS Dhoni.

Tushar Deshpande to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Second boundary for Faf du Plessis and it's superb timing yet again! Tushar Deshpande hits the length on top of the leg stump line and Faf du Plessis gets deep into the crease and flicks the ball along the ground to the right of mid-wicket for a superb boundary.

It will be Tushar Deshpande to operate from the other end. He is starting with a slip in place.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Bowls an outswinger on the off stump from a fuller length. Faf du Plessis plays at it late towards deep backward point for a single to end the first over.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, FOUR! Good timing, quick outfield, and the ball races away for the first boundary of Indian T20 League 2024! Deepak Chahar pitches it slightly up on the off-stump line and Faf du Plessis leans into the drive and times it to perfection to the right of covers and the ball runs away quickly for a boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Bangs on a good length outside the off-stump line. Faf du Plessis stays in the crease and taps the ball to cover-point.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Third outswinger of the over, on a fuller length again outside off. Faf du Plessis drives the ball well but straight to covers.

Deepak Chahar to Faf du Plessis, Swings one away from the right-hander, fuller in length outside the off stump line. Faf du Plessis sees it through to MS Dhoni behind the stumps.

Deepak Chahar to Virat Kohli, Hits the deck hard on top of the off stump line and Virat Kohli stays inside the crease and taps the ball to deep point for a single to get off the mark.

Deepak Chahar to Virat Kohli, WIDE! Bengaluru gets off the mark with an extra and the Indian T20 League, 2024 is underway with a WIDE ball outside the line of the off stump. There was some away movement but the line wasn't correct. An easy leave for Kohli.

We are done with the national anthem and it is now time to set the ball rolling. The newly appointed skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad leads his troops out to the middle and they are followed by the two Bengaluru openers. All in readiness then, hang on, the umpires have not walked in yet. Here they come and we are now ready to roll. It will be Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis to open the innings for Bengaluru. Deepak Chahar will start with the new ball for Chennai. Away we go...

We are moments away from the start of the 17th edition of the Indian T20 League but before that, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis lead their respective sides out for the Indian national anthem.

The captain of Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that he is privileged to be captaining the side. Adds that he will try to be in his shoes and not be in MS Dhoni's shoes. Regarding when he got to know that he would be the captain this season, he replies that he got to know about it a week before the tournament, although Dhoni had hinted about it last season. Mentions that they have an experienced group but they are unfortunately missing out on Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana. Further says that they have got the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Mustafizur Rahman who will fit in nicely. He opines that the wicket looks good and won't change much over the course of the 40 overs.

Faf du Plessis, the skipper of Bengaluru says that they will bat first. Adds that that it looks like a good wicket to bat on and we would like to take that to our advantage. He adds by saying that the atmosphere is as usual very exciting and the team looks really good and ready. He mentions his fast bowling options are the Indian pacers and that's a good strength to have. Ends by saying that they will look to put a good total and will come out to defend it well.

Impact players nominated by Bengaluru - Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, Suyash Prabhudessai, Swapnil Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (WK), Karn Sharma, Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj.

Impact players nominated by Chennai - Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu and Moeen Ali.

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

TOSS - The two captains are out in the middle. The coin toss lands in the favour of Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru have opted to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Kevin Pietersen is near the deck. He starts by saying that the dimensions of the square boundaries are 65 metres and 66 metres, while it is an 80-metre hit down the ground. Brian Lara joins him and says that it looks like a great wicket. Adds that there are a little bit of cracks, and the looseness around the cracks is a bit worrying. Reckons that the looseness could lead to some inconsistent bounce. Pietersen informs that Chennai was the most helpful for spinners last season. Lara opines that there will be turn and we will have to keep an eye on the dew as well. He ends by saying that the captain winning the toss will want to bowl first, keeping in mind the possible arrival of dew.

As the opening ceremony comes to a close, all eyes turn to the captains of the two teams, Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad, as they step onto the stage. With Chennai being the defending champions, Ruturaj Gaikwad, their newly appointed skipper, proudly carries the Indian T20 League trophy onto the stage. The fireworks go off in Chennai and we are not far away from the flip of the coin, which has been delayed slightly by 10 minutes. It will now take place at 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT).

It is the clash of titans in Chennai and the start of celebrations all over India as the Indian T20 League is here. Both the teams will be looking to get in the grove early in the tournament with a big win and set the tone. It's going to be a festival for fans all around the globe as we kick off with Chennai locking horns against Bengaluru. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Despite the concerns regarding his fitness since the knee surgery post the previous league season, Chennai will be buoyed with the presence of the iconic MS Dhoni, who, at 42, gears up for yet another season of the Indian T20 League. Shivam Dube, designated as Chennai's spin-hitting asset, also returns after recovering from injury, albeit missing the initial stages of Indian T20 League 2024 is Matheesha Pathirana, their renowned death-overs specialist, sidelined due to a hamstring injury. On the other side, Virat Kohli returns to competitive cricket for Bengaluru after a two-month break, utilizing this season as a ramp-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. His recent display of an uncharacteristically aggressive approach against Afghanistan hints at an intriguing batting strategy for Bengaluru.

The electrifying atmosphere of the opening ceremony has set the perfect tone for what lies ahead. As the festivities continue to dazzle, the excitement is palpable and soon, it will be time for the cricketing action to captivate fans worldwide as the players take centre stage. Hello and a warm welcome, folks, the 2024 Indian T20 League kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Chennai and Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Faf du Plessis, leading Bengaluru, prepares to face his former opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad, recently announced as Chennai's captain, stepping into the shoes of the legendary MS Dhoni.

... MATCH DAY ...

Cricket fans, rejoice! The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here as the grand cricketing festival of India, the Indian T20 League is back with a bang for another spectacular edition! Dust off your jerseys, grab your popcorn and buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of sixes, wickets, and heart-stopping moments. The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk is all in readiness to host the curtain raiser of this season with the defending champions Chennai hosting the dynamic Bengaluru. Chennai, the hosts, had a stellar season last year. Led by the legendary MS Dhoni, they secured their fifth title in this prestigious competition, proving once again why they're a force to be reckoned with and one of the most successful franchises in this competition. The Yellow Brigade defeated Gujarat in the Qualifier and who can forget the grand finale against the same opposition, which, of course, had a rainy affair but the reserve day witnessed a plethora of nail-biting and bone-chilling action. The team added one more star above their logo and stamped their authority once again. This year has brought some unexpected developments from the yellow team, with MS Dhoni stepping down from captaincy and passing the baton of leadership to the dynamic and young Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad will maintain a solid presence at the top of the batting order, but it remains to be seen who will join him on the 22 yards, in the absence of injured Devon Conway. Further, Chennai has fortified its ranks with the enlistment of formidable talents such as Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, and the return of the fondly known 'Lord' Shardul Thakur, who elevated himself to new heights being in this very team. However, they'll feel the absence of the reliable opener Devon Conway, who sustained a significant thumb injury. Additionally, the inclusion of the budding star Sameer Rizvi, known for his aggressive batting style, amplifies their batting prowess, adding a dynamic dimension to their lineup. They have retained Ajinkya Rahane who transitioned his natural textbook batting with a blend of aggressiveness that yielded good results for him and the team as well. Shivam Dube, another bloke who has the capability of striking the ball with extreme brute force will be aiming to add crucial runs with the bat once again. Ravindra Jadeja, the star of the finale last year, and the inseparable component of the Yellow Brigade is again present to the rescue, with the bat and ball. They also have the services of Deepak Chahar who couldn't participate last year due to his longing injury. He will be complemented by Tushar Deshpande and Mukesh Choudhary. Talking about their overseas ranks, well, the two Lankan talents, Maheesh Theekshana and the very talented Matheesha Pathirana await with their deceptive and lethal deliveries, however, the latter is doubtful for the first few games. Chennai has further bolstered its bowling arsenal by recruiting Mustafizur Rahman, whose array of variations, especially his deceptive slower cutters makes him a pivotal asset on the slower track of Chepauk. Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner are also there to fulfil their duties as responsible all-rounders. And last but not least, MS Dhoni, the mastermind behind the wickets will be donning the yellow jersey in the final season of his career, providing a return gift to the fans after receiving a tremendous reception last year wherever he stepped. He showed a glimpse of vintage Mahi and will be seen in a new role as a non-captain. On the flip side, Bengaluru is poised to elevate their performance this season following a somewhat lukewarm showing in the previous edition. While skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided sensational opening partnerships consistently, the team seeks greater contributions from the rest of the squad. Bengaluru has retained promising talents like Rajat Patidar, a batsman brimming with potential, while also showing confidence in seasoned campaigners like Dinesh Karthik. Mahipal Lomror and Suyash Prabhudessai have also been given another opportunity to showcase their talents. In the bowling department, they rely on the fiery Mohammed Siraj, along with Karn Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Akash Deep. Furthermore, they've strengthened their bowling attack with acquisitions like Alzarri Joseph, Tom Curran, Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson, aiming to fortify their arsenal for the challenges ahead. Yash Dayal, the talented left-arm pacer, has also been acquired by Bengaluru. With a formidable overseas contingent including the dangerous Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. As Virat Kohli returns after a break, he's fueled with determination to lead his team to victories. With a terrific balance of Indian and overseas players, Bengaluru aims to improve their head-to-head record against Chennai, who currently lead 7-3 in their last ten encounters. The history between these two teams is filled with sensational matches and nail-biting encounters, and this season promises no less anticipation. Will Bengaluru kick off their campaign with a victory over the defending champions? Or will the Men in Yellow maintain their unbeaten streak at home and keep their fortress unbeaten? Too many match-ups, and loads of contests within contests await us. Which side are you supporting?