Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, IPL, 2023 Full score card

FOUR! CHENNAI WIN THE 2023 INDIAN T20 LEAGUE! Ravindra Jadeja has taken his side home on the last ball and the Chennai Players go running out onto the field in celebration. Mohit Sharma bowls this full and onto the pads. Easy pickings for Ravindra Jadeja as he flicks this down to fine leg for four runs. Chennai win by 5 wickets (DLS Method)!

SIX! Ravindra Jadeja connects and gets the crowd to go crazy! Mohit Sharma bowls this really full and in the slot. Ravindra Jadeja clears his front foot out of the way and thumps this over the bowler's head for six runs. 4 runs to get on the last delivery. What a match this is turning out to be!

Another attempted yorker turns into a low full toss outside off. Shivam Dube miscues this towards wide long on and they take one more. 10 runs in the last 2 balls.

A low full toss bowled in line with the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja looks to loft this over long on but does not connect well. Falls just short of the fielder and they take a single. 11 runs are needed now in 3 deliveries.

Gets this bang on once again as he delivers this on a yorker length, outside off. Shivam Dube gets his bat down in time and knocks this to long off for a run.

Mohit Sharma bowls a pin-point yorker at the stumps. Shivam Dube digs this back towards the bowler and it will be a dot ball to start the over. 13 in 5 deliveries.

13 needed off the final over. Mohit Sharma has the ball in hand. Can he defend 12 runs? Or maybe we will have a Super Over in the final? Let's find out...

A low full toss angled at the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja looks to go big but ends up hitting it into the air towards deep square leg. Noor Ahmad is unable to get to it and they take a couple of runs more.

On a good length this time and angling in from outside off. Shivam Dube miscues this towards deep square leg for a single.

Nails this yorker at the toes. Shivam Dube flicks this to deep mid-wicket and they take another brace.

Bangs this in short and outside the off pole. Shivam Dube looks to pull and gets a top-edge over the short third man fielder for a couple of runs.

Bowls this back of a length and outside the off stump. Shivam Dube looks to upper cut this but misses and looks for a wide. The umpire remains unmoved and it is a valuable dot ball for Gujarat.

Mohammad Shami comes 'round the wicket and bowls this full at the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja drills this back past the bowler to long off for a run.

Mohammad Shami (2-0-21-0) is back on to finish his spell. 21 needed off 12 deliveries.

Mohit Sharma bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Ravindra Jadeja knocks this to deep point for a single to get off the mark.

Ravindra Jadeja comes out to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! CAUGHT! Stunned silence from the Chennai supporters as MS Dhoni departs on the very first delivery! Mohit Sharma is on a Hat-trick and despite conceding 16 runs in his first three balls he has got his team well and truly back in the tie. This is bowled full and outside the off pole. MS Dhoni looks to hit this on the up towards deep cover but encounters David Miller in the middle who takes a good catch. The Chennai skipper looks flabbergasted but he has to depart and Chennai have now lost half their side. 22 runs needed in 13 deliveries now and this game is swinging like a pendulum.

MS Dhoni walks out to bat now and the crowd goes wild.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Mohit Sharma strikes back and gets rid of Ambati Rayudu who has done a decent job to take his team to a position of strength! This is bowled short as well and in line with the stumps. Ambati Rayudu looks to pull this away but gets it high on the bat. The ball goes high up in the air back towards the bowler and Mohit Sharma takes a comfortable catch. Chennai lose their fourth wicket and the game is still alive for Gujarat.

SIX! Mohit Sharma is taking a pounding here and Ambati Rayudu is putting on a show in his final game! Mohit Sharma bowls this back of a length and outside the off pole. Ambati Rayudu stands tall and slaps this over long off for another biggie.

FOUR! The onslaught continues and Chennai are now within touching distance! A low full toss bowled outside the off stump. Ambati Rayudu drills this to deep cover for four runs. 28 runs needed in 16 deliveries now.

SIX! Ambati Rayudu gets into the act and it is now three sixes in three deliveries! Mohit Sharma bowls this full and outside the off pole. Ambati Rayudu thumps this over wide long off for a maximum.

Strategic break! Well then, 38 runs are needed in 18 balls and with a lot of batting to come, one would fancy Chennai to win here. But, it is easier said than done as a couple of wickets can change things quickly. Shivam Dube, with those two maximums in the last over, has given Chennai momentum. Can they now go on and convert it into a win? Or will Gujarat's pacers step up and take them over the line? Let's find out as we are in for a thrilling finale.

SIX! Shivam Dube seems to have got his confidence back as he sends this further into the crowd! Another tossed-up delivery closer to the off pole. Shivam Dube clears his front foot out of the way and deposits this over long on for six more runs. Rashid Khan has conceded 44 runs in his 3 overs.

SIX! Shivam Dube finally connects and manages to clear the boundary! Rashid Khan floats this one full and wide outside off, allowing the batter room to swing his arm. Shivam Dube goes straight back over the bowler's head for six runs.

Tosses this one full and outside off. Ambati Rayudu pushes this to long off and takes another run.

Bowls this quicker in the air on an off-stump line. Ambati Rayudu blocks this back to the bowler.

Short once again and in line with the stumps. Shivam Dube has failed to get his timing right so far as he mishits this towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Rashid Khan bowls this short and outside off. Ambati Rayudu pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan (2-0-29-0) to bowl out...

Bowls this on a good length as well and attacks the stumps. Ambati Rayudu eases this down to long on and gets off the mark with a run.

Ambati Rayudu is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohit Sharma continues his outstanding season with yet another wicket! Ajinkya Rahane's exciting cameo comes to an end and Gujarat needed this breakthrough! This is bowled on a good length and outside the off stump. The pace is taken off once again and Ajinkya Rahane does not time his shot well as he walks down the wicket. He hits this right down the throat of Vijay Shankar at deep point and Chennai lose their third wicket.

Bangs this in short and at the batter. Shivam Dube pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Another delivery bowled with a lack of pace and on a length, outside off. Shivam Dube checks his shot and lobs this over the bowler's head for a brace.

A slower delivery bowled full and in line with the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane clips this through backward square leg for a run.

Mohit Sharma bowls this on a good length and outside the off stump. Shivam Dube mistimes his shot to long on for a single.

Mohit Sharma comes into the attack for the first time in this game.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Rashid Khan continues to bowl full but just outside the off pole this time. Ajinkya Rahane paddles this towards deep backward square leg for four more runs.

FOUR! Ajinkya Rahane takes it upon himself to do the scoring! Rashid Khan floats this one full and in line with the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane sweeps this past the fielder towards fine leg for four runs.

Darts this into the pads on a fuller length. Shivam Dube lofts this on the bounce to the long on fielder for another run.

Bowls this into the pads on a shortish length. Shivam Dube miscues his shot to deep square leg for a couple of well-taken runs.

A bit of fortune here for Ajinkya Rahane. This is tossed up full and outside the off pole. Ajinkya Rahane slices this just over the infield towards backward point for one.

Rashid Khan bowls this short and outside the off stump. Shivam Dube pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan (1-0-16-0) is back into the attack.

Pulls his length back, and bowls this into the pads. Ajinkya Rahane looks to work this leg side but misses and gets hit high on the pads. An outstanding spell by Noor Ahmad has he ends with figures of 3-0-17-2.

Attacks the stumps on a fullish length. Shivam Dube eases this down to long on for one.

Bowls this full and outside the off stump. Shivam Dube looks to go hard at the ball but misses and Wriddhiman Saha whips the bails off. They go upstairs to check for a stumping and UltraEdge shows that there is not bat involved. Shivam Dube has made it back in the crease as well so it will only be a dot ball.

Short and wide outside off this time. Ajinkya Rahane looks to cut but gets an outside edge to short third man. They rush for a quick single.

Bowls this short and quick, outside the off stump. Shivam Dube knocks this to long off for another run.

Tosses this one full and just outside the off pole. Ajinkya Rahane dabs this towards cover-point and takes a single to get Shivam Dube on strike against the spinner.

Slight halt! The Gujarat players aren't ahppy with the shape of the ball and want it changed. The umpires have a look at it and call for another set of balls. A different ball is chosen and the play can now resume.

WIDE! Noor Ahmad bowls this really full but going down leg. Ajinkya Rahane misses his flick and the umpire calls this wide.

Banged in over leg stump, pulled away toward deep mid-wicket for a single. 16 off the over, a good one for Chennai.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Slightly pitched up around middle, Ajinkya Rahane keeps his head still and just lifts it right back over the bowler's head for another biggie.

Goes fuller now and bowls it outside off at almost 142 clicks. Ajinkya Rahane gets on the front foot and drives it sweetly but straight to extra cover.

SIX! Oh, what a shot! Good length around middle, Ajinkya Rahane just picks it up and nonchalantly whacks it away over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Short again over middle and leg, Ajinkya Rahane mistimes the pull shot a bit toward the vacant mid-wicket region and hustles back for the second run.

A bumper over the stumps, Shivam Dube pulls it away behind square leg and picks up a single.

OUT! TAKEN! Two wickets in the over for Noor Ahmad and he has turned the game on its head. This is the leg break from Noor, a tad shorter and around off, turning away from the left-hander. Devon Conway gets on the back foot and tries to force the lofted shot over long off. As soon as Conway hits it, he shouts 'NO,' and that is because the ball goes straight down the throat of Mohit Sharma at long off. Sharma makes no mistake and Chennai have lost two quick wickets.

Ajinkya Rahane is the new batter out in the middle.

WIDE! Slides one well down the leg side, Wriddhiman Saha does well to move quickly to his right and collect the ball.

Keeps the length full and bowls another googly around middle. Devon Conway chips it right back over the bowler's head and looks for two right away. Conway gets it this time around.

Pushed through fuller and on middle, Shivam Dube flicks it away through mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

Shivam Dube is brought in as an Impact Player for Chennai in place of Matheesha Pathirana and he makes his way out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! The googly does the trick for Noor Ahmad! Nicely flighted, a touch fuller and outside off. Ruturaj Gaikwad doesn't pick the googly as he shapes up for a big hoick across the line. The ball turns away and takes the top edge, lobbing up around backward point. Rashid Khan there settles under it and takes a simple. Gujarat have their first breakthrough.

Tossed up, full and on leg stump, Devon Conway hits it off the inner half of the bat and toward wide long on. Conway looks for two but they only get the single in the end.

Flighted one around middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad leans forward and works it uppishly through wide mid on for a single.

Strategic break! Chennai have gotten off to an explosive start courtesy of their openers who have their plans pretty clear. They are well ahead of the required rate and their fans will be hoping that this goes on for some more time as they get closer to the target. 99 runs are required in 54 balls and Gujarat desperately need to get some wickets to find a way back into this tie. The four overs from the Afghan spin twins will hold the key for the reigning champions and this game is bound to go down to the wire.

SIX! BANG! Short of a length and around off, Devon Conway pulls it off the back foot and absolutely nails it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Chennai cruising along now.

Overthrows! Length ball around off, played on the up to the right of David Miller at extra cover for one. Miller picks up the ball and has an unnecessary shy at the batter's end. There's no one backing up and they get an extra run.

Back of a length again and over the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and pulls it away in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length outside off, played on the up toward extra cover for a quick single.

And again! Banged in short and around off, Devon Conway bends his back a bit and pulls it in between deep mid-wicket and long on for another brace.

Joshua Little comes into the attack and starts with a short ball right away. Devon Conway gets in position and pulls it aerially toward cow corner for a couple of runs more.

Good fielding! Short and down the leg side, there to be hit. Devon Conway pulls it away to the right of short fine leg but Joshua Little there makes a good diving stop and keeps it down to just a single.

Nicely tossed up, full and outside off. Devon Conway looks to muscle it away through covers but toe-ends it back to the bowler.

WIDE! Angles this one well down the leg side, Wriddhiman Saha does well to collect it though. A wide is called.

Quicker and flatter around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays on the back foot and eases it through the cover region for one more.

Tossed up, full and around off, this is driven through wide mid off for a single.

Quicker one, turning in from around middle, Devon Conway backs away and pushes it out to the bowler.

Starts with a bit of a drag down. This is well outside off, Devon Conway has to reach for it but manages to cut it toward deep cover-point for a couple of runs.

Noor Ahmad has been brought into the attack.

FOUR! Cut away and 17 runs come off that over! Short and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. The 50 is up for Chennai and they end the Powerplay on a high.

SIX! All the way! Tossed up around off and it is the googly as well, Ruturaj Gaikwad leans on lofts it against the turn over the long off fence for a maximum.

This is shorter and around leg stump, Devon Conway looks to pull it behind square but gets an inside edge off the body and toward short fine leg. They get a single.

Excellent running! Flatter delivery, angled into middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad comes forward and pushes it out on the off side before getting across for another quick run.

Leg bye! Quicker one around leg stump and skidding through. Devon Conway misses the flick and the ball goes off his pads toward backward point. They get a leg bye.

FOUR! Rashid Khan is greeted into the attack with a boundary. Not that short and around off, Devon Conway backs away and forces it in front of point for a boundary.

Length ball around middle, this is turned away through mid-wicket. Quick start here by Chennai.

Around the top of off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad watchfully just drops it onto the off side and gets across for a quick single.

Beaten! Perfect length in that channel around off and this one nips away sharply off the deck. Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to push it away but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Back to over the wicket now and bowls a good-length ball outside off. Devon Conway advances and plays it uppishly through cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! On a good length and angling into the body, Devon Conway manages to flick it away and beats the man at fine leg to his left for another boundary.

FOUR! Dispatched! Mohammad Shami comes from around the wicket and angles it in from around off. Conway keeps his head still and hoicks it away wide of mid on for a boundary.

A single to end but 14 runs come off it, good over for Chennai. On a hard length and around off, Conway stays back and nudges it down toward backward point for a run.

FOUR! Easily done! Length again on the pads, flicked away toward fine leg for a boundary by Devon Conway.

WIDE! Length ball, spilled down the leg side. A wide is called and the ball dies down on its way to the keeper.

Good length, around the top of off. Ruturaj Gaikwad has a tentative push at it and gets an inside edge just past the stumps. The batters scamper across for a single.

Devon Conway looks to come down the pitch again but this time Hardik Pandya pulls back the length and follows him. Conway pushes it out on the off side for a single.

SIX! Up and away! Pitched up around off, Devon Conway dances down the pitch and shimmies across a bit before lifting it all the way over the cover fence for a maximum.

Starts off with a good-length ball, angling across off. Devon Conway plays it late and blocks it out in front of covers.

Hardik Pandya will share the new ball and bowl from the other end.

FOUR! Ends the over with a boundary does Ruturaj Gaikwad! Fraction shorter over leg stump, Gaikwad swivel-pulls it just behind square leg and the ball races away to the fence. Looks like the outfield is in pristine condition.

Length ball around off, punched away sweetly on the up but straight to David Miller at extra cover.

Pitched up and angling into the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to flick it toward mid-wicket but the ball flies off the outer half and goes over cover-point. They get back for two runs.

We are all set for the game to resume as the umpires make their way out to the middle. The Gujarat players are in a huddle at the boundary line where Hardik Pandya has a few more words to share before taking their respective positions on the field. The remaining ground staff is leaving the field now as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway stride out to resume their opening partnership. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in his hand to complete his over and is ready to begin proceedings. Let's go...

UPDATE - 11.44 pm IST (6.14 pm GMT) - Right then, finally we have good news from the ground! The game will resume at 12.10 am IST. The chase has now been reduced to 15 overs and we will share the revised target at the earliest. Stick around. So the target for Chennai is 171 runs and the Powerplay will be the first four overs. A bowler can bowl a maximum of 3 overs each and the four-time champions need 167 runs in 87 deliveries to win this game.

UPDATE - 11.35 pm IST (6.05 pm GMT) - The umpires are out in the middle for the inspection and are having a long chat about the playing conditions. The ground staff have been toiling for a long time now to get that side pitch ready for play. The roller has also been rolled multiple times and we should get a start time or update soon. Stay tuned.

UPDATE - 10.52 pm IST (5.22 pm GMT) - There is a lot of movement on the ground as the ground staff is sprinkling sand over the wet areas. The Super Soppers are out as well and the pitch is being rolled in while the match officials have a discussion. Hardik Pandya had a long conversation with the match referee Javagal Srinath and then the umpires as he looks to be a little fazed out there by the conditions. The next inspection will be done at 11.30 pm IST (6 pm GMT) and hopefully, we will get some action soon after. We still have a couple of hours before overs are lost and we hope for the action to start shortly. Fingers crossed.

UPDATE - 10.20 pm IST (4.50 pm GMT) - We have good news to share as well as some bad! The rain has stopped and the ground staff has got the covers off but the bad news is that the area surrounding the pitch got drenched while taking the covers off. They are trying to dry the area and the next inspection will happen at 10.45 pm IST (5.15 pm GMT). We hope the rain stays away and we can have some action soon. Stay tuned for further updates...

UPDATE - 10.05 pm IST (4.35 pm GMT) - The rain seems to have eased down a bit and we may not have a long wait this time around. It was getting difficult for the ground staff to put the covers on with intense winds but now they have managed to get it down and are waiting for the rain to stop completely before getting the playing conditions in order. Most of the outfield remains uncovered but the drainage at this ground is outstanding and it should not be too much trouble to dry it out.

UPDATE - 9.51 pm IST (4.21 pm GMT) - The rain has come in full force and the players rush off the field. The ground staff gets into action immediately as they pull the covers onto the field. It is raining cats and dogs out there which is making it very difficult for the groundsmen to get their work done efficiently. We still have 2 hours before we start losing overs and the DLS par score after 5 overs is 43/0, 49/1, 56/2, 65/3, 77/4 and 95/5.

FOUR! Ruturaj Gaikwad and Chennai are up and running! Good length outside off, Gaikwad waits on it well and opens the bat face to play it in front of point for a boundary, the first one of the chase.

On a length around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad puts a big stride across and punches it sweetly toward cover.

Starts off with a fullish delivery around off and gets it to shape away a touch as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward well and pushes it out toward mid off.

OUT! CAUGHT! Matheesha Pathirana and Chennai end with a wicket but the damage has been done. Takes pace off a bit and bowls it on a hard length outside off. Rashid Khan stays deep in his crease and forces the lofted shot toward long on. The ball goes high but there's not enough power on it. Ruturaj Gaikwad from long on moves to his right and takes a good running catch. Gujarat finish with 214/4 on the board!

Leg bye! Fuller in length and around off, Hardik Pandya goes deep in his crease and looks to whack it across the line. He misses though and the ball goes off his pads toward backward point. They get a leg bye.

BYE! Slower one, on a shorter length and outside off. Rashid Khan has a wild swing across the line but misses. Hardik Pandya speeds across for a bye and MS Dhoni gets in the direct hit at the batter's end. The replays show that Pandya is well in.

Rashid Khan has been sent up the order to finish the inning.

OUT! Given LBW! Sai Sudharsan has reviewed it though. Matheesha Pathirana stays around the wicket and angles in a quick and full delivery into middle and leg. Sudharsanshuffles across a bit and looks to flick it away but misses. The ball thuds into the pads and the finger is raised. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Absolute heartbreak for Sai Sudharsan but what a sensational inning it has been from the young man. Sudharsan gets a round of applause from the crowd and deservingly so.

SIX! One more and now, Sai Sudharsan is just one hit away from a century! Matheesha Pathirana comes from around the wicket and angles in a fullish delivery on off. Sudharsan is able to get under it and lifts it over the long on fence for a 97-meter maximum.

SIX! BANG! Sai Sudharsan gets into the 90s now! Pitched up around off, Sudharsan just hits through the line and dispatches it over the wide long off fence for a biggie.

SIX! Up, up and away! Hardik Pandya pre-meditates and shuffles across his stumps. Tushar Deshpande looks for the wide yorker again but serves a full toss instead. Pandya gets under it and lifts it without much timing but the ball still sails over the long on fence for a maximum. 200 up now for Gujarat!

Takes pace off and bangs it in a bit, Sai Sudharsan pulls it off the back foot in front of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Pitched up on middle, Sai Sudharsan clears the front leg and thumps it to the right of long on for a boundary.

Well bowled! Nails the yorker around off at 140.6 clicks, Hardik Pandya shapes up for the big shot but has to adjust and squeeze it out through backward point for one.

Tushar Deshpande switches to around the wicket and angles across a low full toss. This one almost hugs the tramline outside off and Hardik Pandya is unable to get to it.

SIX! BOOM! Full and outside off, Hardik Pandya hangs deep again and whacks it over extra cover for a huge maximum.

Excellent bowling! Hits the length hard and angles it well across Hardik Pandya who can only manage to punch it out toward mid off for a single.

Short of a length and outside off, Hardik Pandya hangs deep and opens up the off side before hammering it toward sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Overthrows! Matheesha Pathirana bangs this one into the deck and angles it well across the right-hander. Hardik Pandya taps it away in front of mid off and gets across for one. Deepak Chahar there fires in a quick throw at the bowler's end and the ball goes off the stumps onto the off side. The batters manage to sneak in another run.

Full and wide outside off, hit away down to long on for just a single.

Very full again, a low toss in fact and around off. Sai Sudharsan punches it down to the left of long off for a couple of runs.

Comes from around the wicket and angles across a very full ball outside off. Hardik Pandya goes deep in his crease and squeezes it away behind backward point for a single.

Ends with a yorker on middle but 20 runs come off it. Hardik Pandya stays deep and jams it out firmly through mid-wicket for a run.

Very full and around off, Sai Sudharsan gets across to scoop it but gets it on the full to short fine leg. They get a single.

FOUR! Sai Sudharsan is toying with the bowler now. Bowled on a fullish length and well outside off, Sudharsan steps across and crunches it away through the cover region for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Another boundary and 14 off this over already! Hard length outside off, Sai Sudharsan stands tall and slaps it off the toe end of the bat but to the left of mid off and the ball goes to the fence.

FOUR! Through the gap! Good length outside off, Sai Sudharsan has to reach for it a bit but is able to tap it away in between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

SIX! How has that gone all the way? Sai Sudharsan shuffles well across the off stump and Tushar Deshpande follows him with a fuller delivery. Sudharsan looks to scoop it over the keeper's head but gets a top edge and the ball flies over the third man fence for a maximum.

Banged in short and outside off, Hardik Pandya just leaves it alone.

Takes a bit pace off the ball and bowls it on a good length around off. Sai Sudharsan waits for it and just guides it off the face of the bat down to third man for a single.

FOUR! Sublime timing! Length ball on middle and leg, Sai Sudharsan works it away in front of mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence.

FOUR! Carved away and that will be FIFTY for young Sai Sudharsan, a solid knock from him. Just misses his mark a serves a full toss outside off at over 148 clicks, Sudharsan slaps it away to the right of the man at backward point and picks up a boundary.

Beaten! Full and around off at almost 149 clicks and the ball just reverses a touch as well. Sai Sudharsan looks to stand tall and drive it through cover but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Full and straight and 147.3 clicks. Hardik Pandya punches it with a high-elbow straight drive and gets it down to long off for a single.

Goes full once again and onto the pads. Sai Sudharsan dabs this to the left of the bowler and looks for a single that is not there.

SIX! Second maximum in the over and Sai Sudharsan is displaying his hitting ability here! This is bowled full and in Sai Sudharsan's hitting arc. He oblidges as he lofts this over deep mid-wicket for six more runs.

Fires this one full and at the stumps. Sai Sudharsan taps this back towards the bowler.

SIX! That should release some pressure! A gift by Maheesh Theekshana as he bowls a full toss on a leg-stump line. Sai Sudharsan does not need a second invitation as he swats this over deep square leg for six runs.

Two dot balls to start the over! This is bowled full and outside the off stump. Sai Sudharsan knocks this straight to cover.

Maheesh Theekshana bowls this slightly short and outside off. Sai Sudharsan pushes this towards the point fielder.

Strategic break! Gujarat have laid a good platform for the big hitters to come in and get them over the 200-run mark. Wriddhiman Saha played a solid knock but has just got out and Chennai will be hoping that this opens the floodgates for them regarding wickets. Chennai haven't let the scoring rate get out of hand and it will now be interesting to see which side is able to shift gears and take the bull by its horn in the last phase of the first innings. Also, skipper Hardik Pandya comes in to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Deepak Chahar gets a breakthrough and Wriddhiman Saha has to depart after a well-played inning! Deepak Chahar bowls a well decieved slower delivery slightly short and outside off. Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull this away but get a top edge that goes high into the behind the stumps. MS Dhoni calls for the catch and it takes forever to get down but he takes it with ease. Gujarat lose their second wicket but it could be a boon in disguise as their power-hitters can now come and pick up the tempo.

Bowls this back of a length with pace taken off and outside the off stump. Sai Sudharsan shapes up for the pull and adjusts his shot to dab this into the off side for a quick single.

Another slower delivery bowled full and just outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha pushes this to long on for yet another run.

Goes back to bowling full and at the pads. Sai Sudharsan clips this towards deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

Back of a length this time and outside the off pole. Sai Sudharsan cuts this to deep point for yet another brace.

Bowls a slower delivery full and at the stumps. Sai Sudharsan dabs this towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Fores this one really full and at the stumps. Sai Sudharsan digs this out to long on for a single and will keep strike.

SIX! Sai Sudharsan is looking good here as he sends this beyond the ropes! Ravindra Jadeja goes full this time and outside off. Sai Sudharsan gets down on one knee and slog sweeps this over deep square leg for six runs. He just about manages to clear the fielder and the boundary.

Bowls this full and at the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha clips this towards deep square leg for one.

FOUR! That is FIFTY for Wriddhiman Saha and he sure knows how to bat in finals! This is bowled short and outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha slices this towards deep backward point for four runs to reach his landmark.

Short once again and on a leg-stump line. Sai Sudharsan tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja bowls this short and outside off. Sai Sudharsan goes deep in the crease and punches this to deep cover fo a couple of runs.

Bowls this on a good length and at the stumps. Sai Sudharsan eases this down to long on for a single.

Bangs this in short and in line with the stumps. Sai Sudharsan sways out of the way and looks to upper cut this late but misses.

Goes back to bowling full and outside off. Wriddhiman Saha looks to hit through the line and gets an outside edge towards third man for one.

WIDE! Matheesha Pathirana delivers this well outside the off stump and beyond the tram line. Wriddhiman Saha leaves this alone and the umpire indicates wide again.

Outside the off stump once again on a good length. Sai Sudharsan dabs this towards third man and collects a single.

FOUR! Sai Sudharsan finds the gap to perfection! Matheesha Pathirana bowls this full as well and outside the off pole. Sai Sudharsan opens the face of his bat and guides this to deep backward point for four runs.

WIDE!  A low full toss bowled well outside the off pole. Sai Sudharsan looks to reach for this but misses and the umpire calls this wide.

FOUR! Matheesha Pathirana is welcomed to the bowling crease with a boundary! This is bowled full and outside the off pole. Sai Sudharsan strokes this into the gap and finds the deep cover boundary for four runs.

Bowls this in line with the stumps on a shortish length. Sai Sudharsan dabs this towards short third man and sets off for a run.

Continues to bowl short and outside the off stump. Wriddhiman Saha hits this aerially towards deep cover for one more.

Goes back to bowling short and outside off. Sai Sudharsan pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tosses this one full and outside the off stump. Sai Sudharsan sweeps this towards deep square leg for a couple of runs. Maheesh Theekshana does weel at the boundary line.

Short once again and outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha punches this to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Streaky boundary but they all count! Ravindra Jadeja bowls this slightly short and outside the off stump. Wriddhiman Saha makes room and goes hard at the ball. He slices it to deep backward point for four runs.

Full toss on off, this is just knocked down to long off for a single.

Quicker and a bit shorter around the pads, Wriddhiman Saha picks it up and pulls it without much timing. The ball goes toward deep square leg where Tushar Deshpande runs around to his left and keeps it down to a brace.

Around middle, Sai Sudharsan looks for the slog-sweep but mistimes it to the left of mid-wicket and gets across for a single.

Full and angled into leg stump, Sai Sudharsan makes a bit of room and punches it crisply to the man at extra cover.

Flatter delivery around off, this is pushed away gently toward mid off for a run.

This is angled into the legs from around the wicket, Sai Sudharsan works it away in front of square leg and picks up a single.

Shorter one around off, Sai Sudharsan punches it off the back foot and gets it square on the off side for a single.

Flatter delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Drifted onto the pads, Wriddhiman Saha gets down on one knee and sweeps it flat toward the left of deep backward square leg. Ajinkya Rahane there runs around and grabs it on the bounce, keeping it down to a single.

Quicker one, over 100 clicks, this is worked away through wide mid on for one. Sai Sudharsan looks for two but has to settle for one.

A tad shorter and angled into the batter, Wriddhiman Saha backs away and punches it through cover for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played! Quicker and flatter around off, Wriddhiman Saha rocks back and cuts it firmly past backward point for a boundary.

Strategic break! Gujarat are motoring along nicely but the tempo has slowed down a fraction since the dismissal of Shubman Gill. Chennai will want to pull things back through the middle overs and will depend on their spinners to get them the breakthrough.

Full and around off, Wriddhiman Saha gets in position and drags the sweep shot in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Comes from around the wicket now and angles in a flatter delivery toward middle and leg, Sai Sudharsan forces it out through extra cover and collects a run.

Pushed through quicker and on middle, Sai Sudharsan punches it back to the bowler.

Fuller and around off, Wriddhiman Saha backs away and eases it through the cover region for another single.

On the pads, nudged away just behind square leg for one more.

On a shorter length and on off, Wriddhiman Saha works it away toward mid-wicket for a single.

Sai Sudharsan walks out to the middle at number 3.

OUT! STUMPED! A moment of magic from MS Dhoni and the big fish, Shubman Gill is out! Ravindra Jadeja drifts this one in a bit from outside off and gets the ball to grip and turn away. Shubman Gill is drawn forward and as he looks to block the ball but it beats him past the outside edge. Dhoni whips off the bails in an instant and the replays show that Gill failed to get his back leg inside the crease in time. Chennai have their first breakthrough!

On middle, this is worked away toward wide mid on for one. Ravindra Jadeja chases the ball and fires in a throw at the bowler's end. Had that hit, Saha was a goner.

Quicker one outside off, Wriddhiman Saha looks to go over cover but gets a thickish outside edge toward short third man.

A tad shorter around middle, pushed away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Close call but Ravindra Jadeja has faltered here! Drifted into middle and leg, Shubman Gill works it away through mid-wicket and looks for two right away. The push hard and the fielder fires in a throw at the bowler's end. Jadeja takes off the bails and the replays show that Saha was just short as well. But, Jadeja doesn't have the ball in hand when the bails come off and Saha survives.

Ravindra Jadeja starts off with a bit of a drag down on the pads, Wriddhiman Saha just tucks it 'round the corner for a single.

Floated up full and around off, Gill advances again and hits it on the full but finds the man at extra cover. At the end of the Powerplay, Gujarat are 62/0!

FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries and that was such a stylish shot from Shubman Gill. Quicker one on middle and leg, Gill gets down on one knee and sweeps it flat and toward deep square leg. The ball bounces just inside the ropes and goes over the fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Brilliant use of the feet from Shubman Gill. This is full and on off, Gill skips down the track and lofts it over the cover region for another boundary.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Slightly short and wide, Shubman Gill cuts it hard but to the left of Devon Conway at cover-point. Conway though lets it through his hands and the ball rolls away into the fence.

Flatter one on middle, Wriddhiman Saha backs away trying to open up the off side but miscues the shot toward mid-wicket for a single. The 50 is now up for Gujarat.

Floated, full and on middle and leg. Wriddhiman Saha leans on and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana comes on to bowl now.

Bowls this short and in line with the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha mistimes his pull shot to deep square leg and collects one.

On a good length and outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha gets across the line of the ball and paddles this towards fine leg for two runs.

Goes back to bowling back of a length and just outside the off pole. Shubman Gill pulls this firmly but straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Shubman Gill has been finding the boundary for fun! Deepak Chahar bowls this on a good length and outside the off pole. Shubman Gill opens the face of the bat to find the gap and punches this towards deep backward point for four runs.

Bowls this back of a length and at the batter. Shubman Gill swats this towards deep square leg and takes a couple of runs.

Another one put down! Deepak Chahar bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha makes room and looks to go back past the bowler. Does not get the timing on this one and hits it into the air to the bowler's left. Deepak Chahar gets his fingertips to this and they take a run as the ball goes towards mid off.

Deepak Chahar (2-0-20-0) to continue...

Goes full and onto the pads. Shubman Gill clips this straight to the man at backward square leg.

On a good length this time and on an off-stump line. Wriddhiman Saha dabs this towards backward point and is called through for a single. Ravindra Jadeja gets a direct hit at the striker's end but replays show that Shubman Gill is comfortably home.

Bowls this one back of a length and outside the off pole. Shubman Gill knocks this towards deep point for a single.

FOUR! Make that three in a row and this is the best of the lot! Tushar Deshpande bowls this on a good length and outside off. Shubman Gill stands his ground and punches this with immaculate timing towards deep cover for four runs.

FOUR! Up and over! Pace on this time but its overpitched on the legs, Shubman Gill just nonchalantly flicks it well over the mid-wicket region and picks up another boundary. Gujarat starting to take control here.

FOUR! The classic short-arm jab from Shubman Gill! Back of a length and it is a slower ball, Gill stands tall and plays it cross-batted through wide mid on for a boundary.

Hits the length hard and bowls it over middle, Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull it away but it's not that short. Saha takes a blow on the body.

On a length and at the stumps, Wriddhiman Saha shuffles across a bit and tucks it away past square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Wriddhiman Saha is playing with the field here! He sees the fielders on the leg side and makes room for himself. Deepak Chahar bowls this on a good length and in line with the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha lofts this towards deep cover for four more runs.

FOUR! Wriddhiman Saha is hitting the ball nicely here! Deepak Chahar bowls this on a good length as well and in line with the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha swats this towards deep mid-wicket for four runs.

On a good length this time and outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha dabs this towards the point fielder.

SIX! Deepak Chahar seems to be thinking about the dropped catch as he bowls this full and in line with the stumps. Wriddhiman Saha walks down the pitch and lofts this over deep mid-wicket for six runs. That is a first boundary for Gujarat and they are now up and running.

A tad bit fuller this time and outside the off pole. Wriddhiman Saha eases this to the right of mid off and takes a run.

Short this time and wide outside off. Wriddhiman Saha looks to get on his toes and slap it away but gets beaten.

DROPPED! A massive moment in the game and how expensive is this going to be for Chennai? Tushar Deshpande bowls this full and angled into the pads. Shubman Gill clips this straight to the man placed at backward square leg but Deepak Chahar spills this and a massive chance goes begging. They take one. We all remember what Gill did against Mumbai after getting dropped!

Back to bowling on a good length and outside the off stump. Wriddhiman Saha dabs this towards cover with soft hands and rushes for a quick single.

Goes full and onto the pads. Shubman Gill flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run.

Tushar Deshpande begins with a good-length delivery bowled on an off-stump line. Shubman Gill blocks this back towards the bowler.

Tushar Deshpande to steam in from the other end.

Another good-length delivery to end the over bowled outside the off pole. Shubman Gill pushes this towards mid on and sets off for a quick single to retain strike. 4 runs for the first over.

Gets this one to nip back in sharply into the stumps on a fuller length. Wriddhiman Saha taps this towards mid on and takes one.

Shubman Gill opens his account straight away. This is served at the stumps as well and on a good length. Shubman Gill tucks this through mid-wicket for a run.

Delivers this in line with the stumps on a good length. Wriddhiman Saha flicks this to the right of mid-wicket and takes a single to get off the mark.

Bowls this one back of a length and offers width outside off. Wriddhiman Saha cuts this straight to the point fielder.

Deepak Chahar begins with a gentle out-swinger bowled just outside the off pole on a fullish length. Wriddhiman Saha blocks this towards the cover fielder.

Done with the pre-game formalities and almost after an eternity, it is now time to get the Final underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Chennai. Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill are the openers for Gujarat as usual. Deepak Chahar has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

The Final is about to get underway in a few minutes' time but first, the players and umpires walk out to the middle and line-up for the Indian national anthem.

Hardik Pandya, the skipper of Gujarat says that they would have bowled first as well but his heart wanted to bat so he is glad he lost the toss. Mentions that the rain is out of their control so they don’t want to focus on the rain and instead look at their performance. Claims that if the players are relaxed and keeping their cool, they respond to that well and it can be seen in their performance. Reckons that it is a flat track and informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.

MS Dhoni, the captain of Chennai says that they will bowl first because there are chances of rain. Adds that they were in the dressing room yesterday, but it was more difficult for the spectators inside the ground. Mentions that even with the rain, the wicket here should remain good for batting as it has throughout the tournament. Claims that they were hoping for a five-over game but he is happy that a tournament like this can should end with a full game. Lastly informs that they have an unchanged squad.

Impact Players for Chennai - Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.

Impact Players for Gujarat - Joshua Little, KS Bharat, Odean Smith, Sai Kishore, Shivam Mavi.

Gujarat (Playing XI) - Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (C), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Shami.

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of Chennai. They have elected to BOWL first.

Hello, and welcome back, ladies and gentlemen to our coverage of the final in the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League as we reach the reserve day to determine who will be champions. We had an agonizingly long wait on Sunday as the world waited in anticipation to witness this blockbuster clash between Gujarat and Chennai at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The rain gods did not relent till the game was called off and it has been a rainless day so far. The weather prediction has indicated that we may have some stoppage today as well but we hope to witness a complete game between two potent sides. 

... MATCH DAY ...

UPDATE 10.59 pm IST (5.29 pm GMT) - Right then, the inevitable has happened and the GAME HAS BEEN CALLED OFF FOR THE DAY! Luckily, there is a reserve day and the Final will be played on Monday, the 29th of May. The pitch and the covers have taken up a massive amount of water; hence, the ground wouldn't be ready before the cut-off time. The game will start on Monday at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) with our build-up starting much sooner than usual. Do join us then and let's hope that the reserve day stays rain-free and we get a cracker of a final. Take care and goodbye!

UPDATE - 10.25 pm IST (4.55 pm GMT) - The intensity of the rain seems to have reduced a fraction but the ground staff will need it to stop completely to be able to work on the covers and the outfield. This is looking really gloomy at the moment as we are heading closer to the cut-off time for the game to be played today. There is still about an hour and a half for that to happen so we will try and be optimistic. Stay tuned for any further updates.

UPDATE - 9.45 pm IST (4.15 pm GMT) - It is still raining heavily on the ground and we have crossed the cut-off time of 9.40 pm IST (4.10 pm GMT) for a full game so we will lose overs if the game starts today. We still have some hope for some action today itself but if not we always have a reserve day in store for us. A 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT) start will mean the game is 15 overs per side, an 11 pm IST (5.30 pm GMT) start will mean 12 overs for each team, and a 9-over game if the match starts at 11.30 pm IST (6 pm GMT). Fingers crossed.

UPDATE - 9.25 pm IST (3.55 pm GMT) - Everything looked to be in order as the captains were talking to the match officials and the umpires seemed happy with the outfield as well. The pitch was being rolled and there seemed to be discussions on when the toss would happen. But alas! The rain gods have reappeared as everyone on the field starts to exit the playing field and the ground staff comes running in with the covers. This is getting painful now with all the anticipation behind the game and we hope to bring some better news soon...

UPDATE - 9.10 pm IST (3.40 pm GMT) - So the ground staff has begun removing the covers while the Super Soppers are doing their job in the outfield. The match officials and some of the players have made their way out onto the field to get a feel of the situation and check the conditions. If the game starts at 9.45 pm IST (4.15 pm GMT) then we will have a 19-over game and if it starts by 10 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT) then we will have 17 overs per side. Things are moving quickly now and we could still have an early start so stay tuned...

UPDATE - 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT) - The rain seems to have halted at the moment but we have been having some stop-start moments and we hope that this time it is for good. Even if it does, the ground staff will still take some time to get the covers off and the outfield dry, so we could expect some overs to be lost today. We will keep you updated with further news...

UPDATE - 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT) - We have a bit of good news here to offer! We have had torrential rain so far but it has now reduced to a slight drizzle. We are hoping for it to completely stop soon so that the ground staff can begin their work. Two Super Soppers are already on the ground as they look to get rid of the puddles in the outfield and we should have some more updates soon. Just as we say this, the rain has picked up, and looks like we may have to wait a bit longer...

UPDATE - 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT) - To fill you guys in with the situation... The latest the game can start without overs being lost is 9.40 pm IST (4.10 pm GMT) and we will have a 5-over match latest by 11.56 pm IST (6.26 pm GMT). If no play happens, the match will take place on the reserve day, i.e. 29th May 2023.

UPDATE - 7.10 pm IST (1.40 pm GMT) - The rain is still around but it looks like more of a passing shower. Also, the drainage here is immaculate so, hopes are high for a full game. Stick around as we bring you the latest updates from the ground.

UPDATE - 6.54 pm IST (1.24 pm GMT) - We have some bad news, folks! The rain has come pouring down hard and the ground staff have brought the covers onto the field. The toss has been delayed but we expect this to be a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates...

Gujarat have become a force to reckon with in just two seasons as they have proved that their win last year was not a fluke. They bulldozed through the group stages with 10 wins in the 14 games and were top of the table by a comfortable margin. They did get a reality check when they faced Chennai in Qualifier 1 but overcame that loss with a thumping win against Mumbai in Qualifier 2 and played some of their best cricket. They have the Orange Cap holder Shubman Gill and the Purple Cap holder Mohammad Shami in their line-up to establish why they have been so dominant in the competition so far and Hardik Pandya will be desperate to establish his credentials as a captain by making it two consecutive titles. Which heavyweight side will be crowned the champions? We will find out soon! Stay tuned for the toss and team updates.

Chennai have once again proven why they are the most feared franchise in T20 cricket as they make yet another final appearance. They started the competition strong and despite a minor stumble towards the middle phase which had their fans worried, a string of good results helped them finish second on the table. MS Dhoni continues to use his extraordinary leadership skills on the field and has guided his side directly into the final after winning Qualifier 1 as they for their fifth Indian T20 League title. He has the ability to get the best out of his side as can be seen from the faith he has shown in his young fast bowlers and some underperforming players and that has built great cohesion in the group. Their batting has been their primary strength along with some world-class spinners in their midst which makes this side well-balanced and a constant threat. 

Hello, and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen to our coverage of the grand finale in the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League as we are about to witness an enthralling encounter between two of the best sides in the competition this here. We are at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the reigning champions lock horns against four-time winners Chennai in the biggest cricket ground in the world with the world waiting in anticipation to see who comes up trumps. Both teams have won once against each other in this edition with Gujarat claiming a win in their opening match at this venue but Chennai got the better of their opponents at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Qualifier 1. However, this is the game that matters the most with the coveted title on the line and it is to be seen which side comes up trumps in this enticing final fixture.

... MATCH DAY ...

The final is pushed to the reserve day, i.e. 29th May 2023 at 7.30 pm IST! It rained too much and showed no respite. Preview - We have reached the climax of what has been an enthralling cricketing journey that has lasted close to two months and left the world captivated with some high-quality entertainment. The 16th edition of the Indian T20 League has been purely spectacular as we have witnessed numerous records broken and some nail-biting encounters that have even left our imagination in a state of wonder. The group stages were tightly contested and it was only after the final tie that we were able to get all our four qualifiers. Despite being one of the closest contested seasons in history two teams stood out from the rest and it is only fair that they are the ones battling it out for the coveted title. The reigning champions powered through the league stage in commanding fashion winning 10 games which had them sitting pretty at the top of the table and they will clash against a team that has made the most final appearances in the history of the competition. The stage is set at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which is the biggest cricket arena in the world for the dominant Gujarat side to take on four-time champion Chennai in what is expected to be an epic affair. It will be a home venue for Gujarat and they will look to take the momentum they gathered from their dominating win against Mumbai in Qualifier 2 into this fixture. Shubman Gill snatched the Orange Cap in style as he notched up his third century in this edition taking his tournament tally to 851 runs and his batting dominance is more evident by the fact that the next highest scorer for his side is skipper Hardik Pandya who has 325 runs under his belt. Wriddhiman Saha (317 runs), Vijay Shankar (301 runs), and David Miller (259 runs) have made some handy contributions but the middle order has also been exposed a couple of times and will need to be aware of the threat the Chennai spinners pose. Their bowling attack is so potent that the top three players in the leading wicket-takers list are from their side with Mohammad Shami and Rashid Khan fighting for the Purple cap with 28 and 27 wickets respectively. Mohit Sharma has played three games lesser but still has 24 wickets in his kitty having taken a 5-wicket haul in the previous game. Noor Ahmad has been a steady contributor having taken 14 wickets so far and he is only bound to grow in strength. Chennai have depended on their young pace bowlers to carry the bowling this season with Deepak Chahar (12 wickets) missing a chunk of their games and it has been Tushar Deshpande (21 wickets) and Matheesha Pathirana (17 wickets) who have managed to come to the fore. Ravindra Jadeja continues to be a high-utility player for them with 19 wickets and 175 runs coming low down the order and has been supported in the spin department by Maheesh Theekshana (11 wickets) who seems to have finally found a bit of rhythm. MS Dhoni has had very little batting to do this season as their potent batting order has rarely needed his contribution. The openers Devon Conway (625 runs) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (564 runs) have continued their good run and will hold the key to their success on a batting-friendly track. They have a long batting order with Shivam Dube (386 runs), Ajinkya Rahane (299 runs), Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja but their collapse in Qualifier 1 will be fresh in their minds. They did manage to win the tie at the M. Chidambaram Stadium but the two sides faced each other on the opening day at this very venue it was the reigning champions who claimed a 5-wicket win to kickstart their campaign. The title-holders will feel that they have the added benefit of having the home crowd behind them but that is when you do not factor in a talisman called MS Dhoni. The fans of the Indian legend have followed him throughout the competition and we expect another sea of yellow to be present at this venue backing one of the most successful T20 captains in the world to yet another title. Will they clinch their fifth trophy? Or will Gujarat become the only side to win two titles in their first two years? We will find out soon.