Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, IPL, 2026 May 2 Full score card

FOUR! Kartik Sharma finishes it off in style and fittingly hits the winning runs! CSK WIN BY 8 WICKETS. Trent Boult goes fuller and around off, Kartik switches his stance for the reverse scoop, holds the bat like a frying pan and hits it over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Fuller and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad uses his feet to drive it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

MAIDEN IPL FIFTY FOR KARTIK SHARMA! A fantastic knock from the youngster, and hopefully this is the first of many more to come. He has supported his skipper well here and this will give him and his team a lot of confidence going ahead. Short of a length and on middle, Sharma pulls it to deep square leg for one. He raises his bat to soak in all the applause.

Pitched up and on off, Kartik Sharma stays deep in his crease and drills it wide of long on. Tilak Varma moves to his left and dives to make a fine stop. Two taken. CSK just one hit away from the two points now.

Takes pace off again, back of a length and around off, Kartik Sharma is way too early through his heave and misses again. He just needs to calm down a bit.

A slower one, full and on off, keeps very low, Kartik Sharma tries to slog it over mid-wicket but misses.

Fuller and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad lofts it with a straight bat to the left of long on for a single.

This could well be the final over of the match. CSK need just 8 runs in 18 balls. A matter of a couple of hits, then. Krish Bhagat returns into the attack. Went for 18 runs in his first over.

A bit quicker, full and on middle, Kartik Sharma turns it to the leg side.

FOUR! Kartik Sharma looks in a hurry now! Fires this one full and around off again. Kartik Sharma gets his hands through the shot and blazes it along the carpet through extra covers for four more runs. 150 UP FOR THE SUPER KINGS!

Slows it up, full and around off, Kartik Sharma winds up for the slog but then tries to guide it away but misses.

SIX! Oh, that's a sweet hit! Flighted, full and on middle and leg again. Kartik Sharma charges down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. CSK need just 12 runs to win now.

Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Kartik Sharma knocks it to the right of the bowler.

FOUR! CSK are doing it in a canter now! Floated, short and outside off. Kartik Sharma moves on the back foot and slaps it hard, beating the dive of long off to his left for a boundary.

CSK need 22 runs from 24 balls now. The partnership between Gaikwad and Kartik reads 76. AM Ghazanfar (3-0-26-1) to bowl out. He replaces Jasprit Bumrah.

Slower one, short and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for the pull but swings early and the ball arrives late.

Short and wide of off, Kartik Sharma cuts this to sweeper cover for a single.

Boult goes full again and bowls a yorker, on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this towards mid off for a single.

FOUR! Stamp of authority with class written all over it. Pitched up, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shimmies down the track and presents a full face of his bat as he keeps it grounded and plays the straight drive to perfection, to the right of mid off, for a boundary.

WIDE! Slower bumper, way too high on the batter. Ruturaj Gaikwad leaves it, and the umpire signals wide.

Yorker, on middle and off, Kartik Sharma pushes this towards mid off and takes a single.

Low full toss, wide of off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this to wide mid off and takes one.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Easy going for the Super Kings. They need 31 runs from 30 balls. It has been a top knock from Gaikwad so far as he has stuck like glue at the crease and is happy in dealing with singles, with an odd boundary here and there. On the other hand, Kartik Sharma has done well for his 31, which is his best score so far in the IPL and would like to get the job done by being there. Mumbai Indians are staring at another landslide defeat as they simply haven't been able to pick regular wickets. For the positives, Bumrah has been more economical than in the previous game, and Raghu Sharma bowled a tidy spell on debut. However, from ball one it was clear that MI's only route to victory ran through all ten CSK wickets, and that never looks like happening.

Full and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this to Hardik Pandya at mid off and takes a quick single. Despite Hardik hitting the stumps with a direct hit towards the bowler's end, Ruturaj Gaikwad makes his ground with ease.

Yorker on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this firmly towards Tilak Varma at extra cover. Kartik Sharma backs up a bit and is sent back by the batter on strike. Tilak Varma hits the stumps towards the non-striker's end and the smart replay shows that Kartik was well in.

WIDE! Another bumper, around the leg this time. Ruturaj Gaikwad comes inside the line and leaves it expecting a wide. The umpire calls it a fair delivery and the CSK skipper sends this upstairs. The visuals show that the ball is passing down the leg side and the on-field decision of wide not given turns to a wide.

Bumrah loses his run up. Walks back to reload.

Slower one, short of a length, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts this to the right of Will Jacks at point. Jacks puts in a dive to his right, fields this, and keeps it down to a dot.

A really sharp bumper by Bumrah around middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad sits under it.

Seems that the leg umpire is not happy with something. Nitin Menon walks up to Gaikwad and has a brief chat before walking back.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Short and into the batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands deep inside his crease and pulls this in front of square on leg for a boundary towards the deep mid-wicket region.

Back of a length, into the batter, Kartik Sharma gets up on his toes and tucks this towards mid-wicket for a single.

Ghazanfar was left bemused by that shot. Almost run-a-ball needed now for the Super Kings. They require 38 from 36 balls. Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-13-1) is back on. This is well and truly the last throw on the dice from MI. Can he engineer breakthrough(s) for MI here? Meanwhile, the physio is out to check Gaikwad. Not quite sure about the issue. Good to continue now.

FOUR! A high-quality stroke from the CSK skipper adds four more to the total. Floated around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles away from the stumps and hammers this past the left of extra cover for a boundary.

Much slower, around off, Kartik Sharma jumps down the track but gets a bit too close to the ball. Ends up pushing this towards covers for one.

Quicker one, on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this through cover for a single.

Fuller around the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks this to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, around off, Kartik drives this to sweeper cover for a single.

FIFTY FOR RUTURAJ​​​​​​ GAIKWAD! Back-to-back fifties for the CSK captain. Floated on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs this through backward point for a single to bring up his half-century. A brilliant knock by Gaikward, where he started aggressively, but once Sanju got out and Urvil took charge of proceedings, he took the back seat, played the situation nicely and decided to anchor.

It's been one-way traffic so far, in favor of CSK and these two are making it look like a stroll in the park. AM Ghazanfar is back on. 2-0-18-1 so far. He replaces Hardik Pandya. But where is MI's best, Bumrah?

Fuller around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts this to sweeper cover for a run.

Quicker and flatter on off, Kartik Sharma hops back inside the crease and punches this to long off for a single.

Quicker one, down the leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks this to square leg for a run. Brings up the 50-run partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma.

Googly, on middle and leg, Kartik Sharma shimmies down the track and rolls this down to long on for a single.

Quicker one, on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks this through mid on for one.

Tossed up, on middle and off, Ruturaj Gaikwad steps across and flicks this to the end of the inner circle around the mid-wicket region and hustles back for the second. Had this been a direct hit from the fielder towards the non-striker's end, Kartik Sharma would have been in trouble.

Slows it up, does Hardik. Short, outside off. Kartik tries to knife it behind point off the back foot, but gets deceived by the lack of pace. 10 runs from the over. CSK need 53 runs from 48 balls.

Doing it easily with the singles. Hard length on middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad camps back and nudges it through the vacant mid on region for a single.

Slow at 116.9 kph, this is too short and outside off. Kartik Sharma gets on the toes and tries to slash it over backward point but gets it edged behind to deep third for a run.

Slowish length ball, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plays it very late and dabs it wide of backward point for a quick single. 55 runs needed from 51 balls for the Super Kings.

Back of a length, outside off, Kartik cuts it off the outside edge. It goes on the bounce and to the left of Jasprit Bumrah at deep third for a single.

SIX! Goes the distance! Hardik serves it full and just outside off. Kartik Sharma gets his front leg out of the way and smokes it high and handsome over long on for a six. 100 UP FOR CSK!

Quite happy doing this, is Gaikwad. Slides it on the pads, full in length. Ruturaj Gaikwad takes a giant stride forward and clips it gently through mid-wicket for a couple of easy runs. Decent spell from Raghu so far, 3-0-17-0 are his bowling figures.

Flat and full, 90.5 kph, on off. Kartik Sharma backs away to hit it downtown, but hits it off the inner half and the ball rolls down to long on for a single.

Gets a good bit of grip on this leg break. A touch short on middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad lets the ball to turn and steers it through square leg and strolls for a single.

The googly, fractionally fuller, on middle. Kartik Sharma camps back and punches it to the right of point for a single.

Pushed through, full and around off, at 85.9 kph. Kartik Sharma goes deep in the crease and eases it to cover.

Drag-downer, on off, Kartik hangs back and cuts it to Will Jacks at cover-point.

Short and slow, the off cutter, arriving at the chest height of the batter. Kartik controls the pull shot to deep backward square leg for a single. 7 runs off the over. CSK need 68 runs from 60 balls.

Off-pace delivery, on a good length, angled on the middle stump. Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and jabs it to long on for a single.

Hits the hard length, on top of off. Kartik sits back and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Takes pace off, on a length, at 124.5 kph. Gaikwad presses back and knocks it through cover-point for an easy single.

WIDE! Dug in short over the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad is hurried to play the pull shot but misses and the ball flies over his head as well. Wide called.

Slower length ball, around off. Kartik arches back and uppercuts it over backward point for a single.

On a back of a length, on top of middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to tuck it into the leg side, but closes the bat face early. The ball lobs off the leading edge and drops between backward point and cover. Single taken.

STRATEGIC BREAK! It has been a good phase of cricket from both sides, but Chennai Super Kings edge over Mumbai Indians purely based on how rapidly they have scored till this point. With Sanju Samson getting dismissed early, Urvil Patel took charge of proceedings and scored at a brisk pace before chopping one back onto his stumps. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has looked good so far and he looks set to play the anchor for the most part of this chase. Hardik Pandya has not introduced himself into the attack yet and he might be tempted to sneak one right after the break and change ends for AM Ghazanfar, as Raghu Sharma has got a fair bit of purchase from the end he has been bowling. Wickets are the key currency for MI here. Hardik brings himself into the attack.

Keeps it closer to the off pole, does Raghu. On a length and Ruturaj presses back, punches it through cover for a single. 2-0-12-0 so far for Raghu Sharma. CSK need 75 runs from 66 balls.

Keeps it stump-to-stump, short on middle. Kartik goes deep in the crease and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Kartik defends it back to the bowler.

On the middle pole on a length at 91.7 kph. Gaikwad rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Touch short, on middle and leg. Gaikwad hangs back and pulls it a bit uppishly between long on and deep mid-wicket. The deep mid-wicket fielder charges to his left and cuts it off, and lobs the ball to the converging long on fielder. However, the latter fielder overruns a bit and is unable to collect the ball as it goes over him. He turns around and retrieves it eventually. Two taken.

Grips into the surface, tad full and on off. Gaikwad presses in front and defends it down the pitch.

SIX! Kartik takes on the boundary rider at deep mid-wicket and clears him. Short of a length, around middle and leg, Kartik Sharma backs away to his leg side and pulls this flat and over Will Jacks, who is standing a few yards inside at the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

Fired quicker and into the line of the stumps, Kartik Sharma charges down the track and defends this to the left of the bowler.

Pushed through on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad nudges this through the mid-wicket region for one more.

Floated full and on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks this through square leg for a couple of runs here.

Flighted, around middle and leg, Kartik Sharma presses onto his front foot and works this through mid on for a single.

Short of a length, around middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for one run.

Decent start from the debutant. MI are trying to squeeze things up bowling spin in tandem.

Length dragged back a bit, on middle and off, the ball keeps really low here. Kartik backs away to his leg side and blocks this at the end towards the mid-wicket region.

Tossed up, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts this to sweeper cover for one run.

Full and on off, Kartik Sharma pushes this through covers for a single.

FOUR! Raghu errs in line and length and gets punished for it by Kartik Sharma. Pushed through around the pads, in the slot. Kartik Sharma takes a couple of baby steps ahead and hammers this straight down the ground for a boundary towards the left of long on.

Quicker one, around off, Kartik Sharma hops onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Leggie, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad cuts this square on off for one run.

Quicker one, full and wide outside off, Kartik Sharma cuts this to backward point for a dot to close the over. Just 7 runs and a wicket off AM Ghazanfar's first over.

Carrom-ball, around off, Kartik Sharma backs away and pushes this to mid on for no run.

AM Ghazanfar keeps on adding to his wicket tally. CSK's Impact Sub, Kartik Sharma comes out to the middle now. He has replaced Mukesh Choudhary.

Mukesh Choudhary is substituted by Kartik Sharma

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Ghazanfar delivers the good yet again for Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians. Floated wide outside off, Urvil Patel collapses his back knee and looks to play the slog sweep across the line, but has to overstretch for it and loses his shape completely. Hence, he gets it off the inside edge and the ball goes on and rattles the timber. Urvil Patel departs after a breezy knock and Chennai Super Kings are 62 for 2 now.

Pushed through on leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this down to long on for one.

SIX! The skipper of CSK takes charge now. AM Ghazanfar drags his length back a fair bit, and bowls it around middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets down on a knee and sweeps this aerially for a biggie over the fielder at deep backward square leg.

Robin Minz is substituted by Raghu Sharma

Fuller around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad backs away and pushes this towards covers for no run.

Very expensive start from Krish Bhagat as he goes for 18 runs. Time for some spin now as AM Ghazanfar will bowl the final over of Powerplay. Also, Mumbai Indians bring in Raghu Sharma as their Impact Sub, replacing Robin Minz.

SIX! As stylish as Urvil could have made it look. 50 comes up for CSK. Urvil shuffles away to his leg before the bowler releases the ball and Krish Bhagat tries to outsmart him by following him to his leg side. Urvil Patel is clever enough to roll his wrists and even generate enough power to flick this over the fence towards the left of deep square leg for a biggie.

On a length, around off, Urvil Patel flicks this to mid-wicket for a dot.

Hard length, on top of off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs onto his back foot and dabs this towards point for a strike rotation.

Slower one this time by Krish Bhagat, fuller around middle and leg, Urvil Patel tucks this gently through mid on for a single. A good comeback by the bowler.

FOUR! Urvil backs the biggie with a boundary. Back of a length again, into the line of the stumps this time though. Urvil Patel, in no nonsense mood, muscles this up and over Hardik Pandya at mid on for a boundary.

SIX! Probably the biggest of the game so far. Back of a length, around the hips of Urvil. The batter steps inside the line and dispatches this with a flick over the fence towards the fine leg region. Into the second tier.

Assuming there will be a bowling change from this end. Bingo. Krish Bhagat replaces Trent Boult.

Pitched up and down the leg side, Urvil Patel glances it to deep fine leg for one.

Big swing and a miss! Touch fuller and on off, angles it in sharply. Urvil Patel has a wild slog across the line but only connects with thin air. The ball wasn't too far from the off pole as well.

Hits the length hard, on middle, nips back in. Urvil Patel has a heave across the line but misses and takes a blow on his right waist.

FOUR! Gets it away! Jasprit Bumrah tries to test the batter with a bouncer, but bowls this just down the leg side. Urvil Patel looks to hook it away but ends up gloving it just to the left of the keeper as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Length again, on middle, angling in sharply, Urvil Patel keeps it out to the leg side.

Good length and angling into the leg side, Urvil Patel clips it wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Good counterattack from the CSK captain. 17 runs from the over. CSK need 130 runs from 102 balls. Jasprit Bumrah to continue. 1-0-6-1 so far.

SIX! That is a fine pick-up shot! Trent Boult errs in line a bit and lands this on a length, on the pads. Ruturaj Gaikwad picks it off and, using his wrists, whips it effortlessly over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Good shot! Short of a length and around middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad picks up the length very quickly. He swivels and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it away to mid-wicket.

WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer but this is way too high for the batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad lets it go. Ryan Rickelton leaps up and grabs it with his outstretched left glove to stop it from going behind.

Slower one, hard length and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stabs it out to the off side.

Good length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Classy shot! Fuller delivery, on middle, shapes in a touch. Ruturaj Gaikwad presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously to the right of the mid off for a boundary.

Jacks will be the most relieved man on the field right now. There is a good bit of lift for the new ball and Bumrah gets rewarded. Urvil Patel walks in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jasprit Bumrah gets his man eventually and this is a massive wicket for MI. He bowls this on a hard length again and around off, gets some extra bounce off the deck. Sanju Samson, without moving his feet, just throws his hands at the ball, but the extra bounce takes the outside edge and goes behind, where Ryan Rickelton flies to his right and takes a fine catch into his gloves. CSK are 13/1, chasing 160 runs.

FOUR! Connects well this time! Jasprit Bumrah lands this short of a length and around off. Sanju Samson keeps a steady head and punches it with sweet timing through cover-point for a boundary.

Swing and a miss! Pulls his length back a bit, on off, keeps a bit low too. Sanju Samson has a slog across the line but fails to connect.

Fuller and outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad throws his bat at it and slices it towards third man for a run.

Back of a length and on off, Sanju Samson pats it towards cover-point for a single.

EDGED AND DROPPED! That's an absolute sitter! Jasprit Bumrah begins with a good-length delivery, in that channel outside off, gets it to shape away too. Sanju Samson has a poke at it with an angled bat and gets a thick outside edge towards first slip. Will Jacks moves to his left but tries to grab it with hard hands and the ball pops out of his palms. Big moment in the game.

Decent start for the Super Kings. They need 153 from 114 balls. Jasprit Bumrah to share the new ball with Boult. He has picked up only 2 wickets so far this season, has Bumrah. He will look to bring his best in a must-win game for his side.

Hard length and on off, Sanju Samson punches it away to cover for one. 7 runs off the first over!

FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Back of a length and just outside, but enough width for a batter like Sanju. He gets his hands through the shot and crunches it to the deep point fence for four runs.

Length again, on middle and leg, Sanju Samson stays back and pats it towards mid on.

Good length and on middle, shaping in again, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to push it away but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.

Much fuller and on middle, shaping in a shy bit, Ryan Rickelton covers his stumps well and blocks it out.

CSK are underway in the chase! Trent Boult starts with a hard-length delivery, around the hips of the batter. Sanju Samson flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

From around the stump, Kamboj nails the wide yorker, outside off, Krish Bhagat fails to carve it away and gets beaten on the outside edge. Samson collects the ball and lobs an underarm throw to the bowler, seeing Krish struggling to complete the bye. Anshul collects the ball and releases the throw, but ends up hitting Bhagat instead, who runs to the danger end and comes in the way of the throw, and the ball rolls away. Excellent finish from Kamboj and CSK. Anshul Kamboj finishes off with superb bowling figures, reading 4-0-32-3. Mumbai Indians finish at 159/7.

Full toss, on middle, sliced wide of short third for a single.

SIX! Oh, hello? Into the slot, on middle and leg. Trent Boult clears the front leg out of the way and launches it cleanly over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. Free-flowing bat swing from the Kiwi.

Trent Boult walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Hardik's struggles come to an end. Perhaps this is the first ball that he timed well and picked the fielder instead. Kamboj gets his third wicket and is now level with Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Purple Cap race with 17 wickets. Length ball around middle and leg. Pandya goes deep in his crease and looks to lift it down the ground, but gets more height than distance on it and Brevis at deep mid-wicket settles underneath it and takes a comfortable catch. MI are 151/7, 3 balls left.

Too full and wide, outside off, from around the stump. Hardik carves it to long off but denies the single.

WIDE! Sprays it down leg, on a fuller length. Hardik gets inside the line and leaves.

FOUR! Misfield from Noor. Around the wicket, 137.7 kph. Full at the pads from Kamboj. Pandya stays deep in his crease and clips it in front of square on the leg side. Noor at deep square leg runs to his left, dives, but fumbles it and the ball races away for four. 150 UP FOR MUMBAI INDIANS!

Can Anshul Kamboj keep MI under 160 here?

Back of a length, angled into the pads. Pandya flicks it aerially but Mukesh at deep backward square leg has to come forward and it falls just short and spins the other way but Mukesh does well to stop it by getting down. Single taken, and Hardik keeps the strike. Superb spell from Kamboj comes to an end.

Slow and wide, full in length. Hardik smashes it to the left of the cover fielder. Noor dives to his left, but half stops and the deep backward point fielder cuts it off to his right. Two taken.

Hard length delivery around off, 142.5 kph, pitching and climbing sharply. Pandya slashes hard and is beaten, through to the keeper.

Oh, goodness! This is a hostile delivery from Overton. Huge nip-backer on a good length, with extra bounce on middle. Hardik Pandya is rushed on the back foot and tries to defend it down, but gets cramped for room and just manages to stab it down off the splice.

Around off, on a good length, Krish steers it off the back foot, through cover and backward point for a single.

Hits the hard length, does Jamie and gets a good lift as well, on top of leg. Krish Bhagat backs away and tries to pull, but misses. And the ball whistles close to his helmet and Samson gathers it behind.

Full and straight on middle, Bhagat works it to long on for a single.

Tries the yorker, but slips in a low full toss that tails back in. Hardik's head falls over as he clears his front leg but manages to drill it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller on middle and leg, driven off the front foot, through the vacant mid on region for a single.

Nagging length, at the pads. Krish dinks it to mid-wicket.

The next batter in is Krish Bhagat.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Wicket number 2 for Kamboj. This is bashed into the surface, on a length, angling just outside off. Robin Minz stands tall and tries to punch it with an angled bat to the off side, through covers, but gets a fat inside edge and the ball crashes back into the stumps. Mumbai Indians are 139/6 and under tremendous pressure now.

Looks like Anshul Kamboj is suffering from cramps. The physio comes in and gives him some pickle juice and water to get rid of it. We are good to resume now.

FOUR! Fine shot! Pitched up and just outside off. Robin Minz crouches low on one knee, extends his arms to reach out for it and carves it over extra covers for a boundary.

With Noor Ahmad finished with his spell, there will be a change from the other end. Anshul Kamboj (2-0-13-1) replaces the Afghan.

Edgy! Fuller and around off, angling away, Robin Minz looks to drive it on the up but gets a thick outside edge towards third man for a run.

Out goes Naman Dhir, in comes Robin Minz.

OUT! TAKEN SPECTACULARLY! Sarfaraz Khan takes a fine catch and Overton has the reward for bowling a disciplined spell so far. Slower ball, full around middle. 123.8 kph. Dhir backs away, looking for room, but is deceived by the change of pace from Overton. He is through the shot far too early as he drives at it through the covers. Slices it uppishly, and Sarfaraz at extra cover moves swiftly to his left, times his leap well and takes a fantastic catch. Mumbai Indians are 134/5.

SIX! Easy pickings! Fuller ball angled at the leg stump. Naman Dhir crouches a bit, brings his wrists to play and whips it up and over long leg for a six.

Too full on middle and leg, heaved off the inner half to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Hard length around leg. Dhir looks to pull but gets it off the gloves, and it rolls away towards short fine leg for a single.

Sharp bouncer, closer to the off pole, takes off a bit. It takes Dhir by surprise and hurries him into the pull shot. Dhir gets a bit of an outside edge and Samson fails to gather it cleanly to his left, parrying the ball to the short fine leg region. Two taken. It is given as runs and that will be FIFTY FOR NAMAN DHIR! However, UltraEdge later on shows there was no bat involved, as the ball went well above the bat. So, it wasn't a dropped chance from Samson.

Strategic Break! Chennai Super Kings have done really well to pull things back in the last few overs. They have kept the runs in check and also picked up wickets, but now they know that they need to execute their plans at the death as well. Hardik Pandya has not looked settled, but he has one of the best strike rates in overs 16-20 in this format and can flip the game on his own. Naman Dhir is set and nearing a half-century, but he will also need to be aggressive in this phase to take MI to a good total. Also, Jamie Overton to bowl after the break.

Quicker and into the pitch, just outside off. Hardik Pandya punches it out into the off side but fails to get it past covers. Noor finishes a brilliant spell with figures of 4-0-26-2.

Short again, bowled into the deck and outside off. Naman Dhir fetches the ball and swats it across to deep mid-wicket for just one more.

Noor takes a leaf out of Krunal Pandya's book now. Attempted bumper over middle, flat-batted down to long on for a single.

No problem there. Floated up on a nagging length, just outside off. Hardik Pandya goes for the booming drive but the ball bounces a bit more and goes past the outside edge. Sanju Samson is quick to dislodge the bails and there's half an appeal for a stumping. The third umpire has a look at it and checks UltraEdge first. There's no bat involved and then replays show that Pandya had his back leg planted inside the popping crease at all times. NOT OUT.

Quicker now, a bit fuller as well and on off. Dhir camps back and tucks it away in front of square leg for a single.

Flatter delivery around leg stump, Pandya gets a stride out to flick but misses. The ball goes off the pads towards backward square leg and they get a leg bye.

Change of ends for Noor Ahmad. Also, Ramakrishna Ghosh is off the field for the moment.

Good length, in the channel, hit with a straight bat and on the up towards long off for just another single. 7 off the over.

Full and straight now, nearly in the blockhole. Dhir digs it out towards mid on and collects a single.

That's kept a bit low. Slightly slower at 122 kph, a bit full and wide outside off as well. Dhir reaches out to hit it through covers but misses.

Back of a length, tight line around off again. Pandya hops back and punches it down to deep point for one.

Nice and full again, this time around off, drilled from inside the crease to extra cover.

FOUR! Wow, Hardik Pandya gave that the old kitchen sink. Slower one, bowled full and wide outside off. Pandya gets across to reach and has a wild swing but only gets an outside edge that flies wide of the keeper and goes into the deep third fence.

Ramakrishna Ghosh (2-0-17-1) is back on.

Back of a length, on off, punched down through extra covers for a single. Just a bye and two singles in the over, tidy again from CSK.

Another top delivery. Overton bashes the hard length at over 144 clicks and gets the ball to jump off the deck. Hardik Pandya gets squared up as the ball goes quickly past the outside edge.

Edged, but lands short! Hard length in the channel, nips away from the right-hander. Hardik Pandya is indecisive and looks to leave it late, but ends up getting an outside edge that goes down to the right of the keeper. Sanju Samson dives across and collects it on the bounce with the right glove.

That's brilliant stuff from Overton. Good length at the stumps, at 145.5 kph. Pandya taps it into the deck and Overton just leaps across to his right in the follow-through and collects the ball, having a faking throw at the batter. Pandya is taken aback and scampers back, falling down in the process.

Slower one, attacking middle stump, Dhir stays back and angles the ball away behind square leg for a single.

Dug in well short and right at the batter. Pandya rushes down the pitch and then just leaves it alone. Sanju Samson has a fumble behind the stumps, and the batters pinch a bye.

Bowled from around the wicket, full and outside off. Hardik Pandya punches it through extra cover and picks up a run.

Almost a mix-up between the fielders, but Gaikwad holds on to it. Urvil almost ran into the skipper, but just prevented himself. Hardik Pandya, the MI skipper, is in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! That's a brave piece of bowling from Noor Ahmad and he picks up his second wicket. Noor offers more flight on this one and tosses it full and outside off. Tilak Varma is drawn into the drive and looks to smash it over covers but ends up mistiming it badly. The ball gets sliced up around extra cover, where Ruturaj Gaikwad calls for it and pouches it calmly, even though Urvil Patel from cover-point nearly barges into him. Mumbai Indians are 109/4.

A slight fumble and the batters get a single. Shortish length outside off, cut away off the outside edge and just to the left of Shivam Dube at short third for a single.

Full again, at the stumps, worked away wide of mid on for one more.

Full on leg stump, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Close but not close enough! Nicely bowled by Noor Ahmad, though. Flatter one, on a nagging length and outside off. Naman Dhir lunges across to drive but the ball turns in a bit and goes past the outside edge. Sanju Samson whips off the bails in a flash but replays eventually confirm that Dhir's back leg was inside the popping crease when the bails came off. NOT OUT.

Is Dhir stumped out? Sharp glovework from Samson from behind the stumps. He seems confident, so does Noor, but Naman is going nowhere. The on-field umpire sends it upstairs for a review. First, UltraEdge is being checked and it comes up with a flat line. The triple-angled replay comes up and a zoomer is deployed as well. It detects that some part of Naman's back boot is inside the crease and is grounded just when Samson breaks the stumps. NOT OUT loads on the giant screen.

Tilak seems to have hurt his left wrist in the process of scooping the ball. Takes the gloves off and shakes the pain off. The ball rams straight on his wristwatch and it comes off. The physio is out there to check him up. Applies a bit of magic spray. Noor Ahmad is back on. 2-0-19-1 so far.

Another dot! Jamie Overton lands this on a good length and around off, Tilak Varma goes down and across for a premeditated scoop but misses and takes a blow on his left hand.

Fuller and on the pads, Tilak Varma flicks it away wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run.

Beaten! Short of a length and on off, angles away, Tilak Varma tries to cut but gets beaten due to the extra bounce.

Excellent effort! Pitched up and on off, Naman Dhir drills it hard and wide of mid off. Ruturaj Gaikwad puts in a dive to his right and gets a hand on it to take the sting out but the ball still rolls behind him. He gets up and chases after it, and slides forward to push the ball back inside. Three runs taken. The replay shows that it is a clean stop as well.

Has Gaikwad saved a boundary? He dived to his right and took the sting out of the ball and got back up, sprinted hard from mid off. Slid to flick the ball back before the ropes. The replay confirms it is a clean save from the CSK captain.

Fuller and on middle, Tilak Varma works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

Just short! Jamie Overton sees the batter advance and hits the deck hard, around off. Tilak Varma reaches out to push it away but the ball just holds up on the surface a bit. It spoons up off the higher part of the bat towards cover, where Shivam Dube moves sideways to his right initially and then puts a dive forward but fails to reach it.

Change? Yup. Jamie Overton is introduced into the attack now. And misses his run up. Walks back to reload.

Much fuller and around off, Naman Dhir drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.

Short of a length and on off, Tilak Varma stabs it through covers for one. 100 UP FOR MI!

Suryakumar Yadav is extremely disappointed as he makes a slow walk back. Got another good start, but not to be yet again for him. In walks Tilak Varma at number 5.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! A special moment for Ramakrishna Ghosh as he gets his MAIDEN IPL WICKET. He bends his back and bangs this hard into the pitch, just on off. Suryakumar Yadav sways away a bit and tries to cut it away but this is too close to his body and he fails to free his arms fully. He ends up hitting it aerially and straight towards deep point, where Dewald Brevis does not have to move much and takes a good catch. SKY hangs his head back in disbelief but his lean run in this IPL still continues.

Good stop! Good length and around off, Noor Ahmad opens the bat face and guides it wide of point. Prashant Veer dives to his left and saves a certain boundary. Just one!

FOUR! Two in two! Hits the length hard, on off, Naman Dhir stays put in his crease this time. He gets on top of the bounce and flat-bats it over mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! Short of a length and outside off. Naman Dhir gives the charge, stays leg side of the ball and extends his arms to slap it over extra covers for a boundary.

Halfway reached. There's a good bit of tussle between bat and ball. Just when CSK managed to bowl a couple of quiet overs, MI have hit back hard in response to keep themselves afloat. Ramakrishna Ghosh (1-0-7-0) to continue.

Goes short again and around off, Naman Dhir punches it through covers for one more.

Shorter and on off, Naman Dhir moves back and swats it down the ground. Noor Ahmad gets his left boot in the way of it to make a half-stop.

Flatter, full and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav drills it to long on for a run.

SIX! Even better and bigger! Floated, full and around off, Suryakumar Yadav takes his front leg out of the way, hits it through the line, dispatching it over the long off fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Gets it through! A bit of a drag down, outside off. Suryakumar Yadav gives himself some room and cuts it away past the diving point fielder to his right for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Naman Dhir prods forward and taps it in front of point for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! It's been a good tussle between bat and ball. Mumbai Indians have managed to run away in terms of the scoring rate but do have a solid platform to launch from. Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, have bowled well, but a couple of costly overs have dented them quite a bit and they will look to pick up a few more wickets through this middle phase. MI have some power to come but they will love for Suryakumar Yadav to play a big knock here. Should be an interesting phase of play. So, let's get back to it. Also, Noor Ahmad is back into the attack.

Pitched up and on middle and leg, Naman Dhir clips it away wide of long on for one more. Just 7 runs off the over, good start from Ramakrishna Ghosh!

Hard-length delivery, on off, Suryakumar Yadav opens the bat face and runs it down to deep third for one.

Good length and on off, keeps a bit low, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and stabs it to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! SKY gets going now! Fuller in length and well outside off. Suryakumar Yadav, seeing the width on offer, throws his hands at it, flaying it over backward point for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, nips back in, Suryakumar Yadav looks to push it away but gets an inside edge towards short mid-wicket.

Hits the length hard, on off, angles in a bit, Naman Dhir pats it in front of cover for a single.

The debutant, Ramakrishna Ghosh to have a bowl now.

Arm ball, pushed into the batter on the leg stump. Naman Dhir shimmies down the track and knocks this full ball to the right of long on for an easy single. 7 runs from the over. 2-0-25-0 so far for Prashant.

Overpitched delivery, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav drives it through the vacant mid off region for a single.

In front of the stumps, full in length. Suryakumar Yadav gets on the front foot and eases it to extra cover.

Quicker and flatter, full on middle and leg. Dhir leans forward and clips it into the leg side just beside the pitch and is called through for a quick run. Prashant rushes forward to collect the ball, but by then, the batters complete the single. A hasty one, though.

FOUR! All class from Dhir! Serves it up there, does Veer. Full and around off. Naman Dhir hits it with the turn, stays leg side of the ball and lofts it inside out over cover for a boundary.

Slides it into the batter, too full at 93.2 kph. Dhir drives it straight back at the bowler.

Prashant Veer (1-0-18-0) is back on, but from the other end.

Length ball, on leg, bunted off the back foot to Noor.

FOUR! Delicacy from SKY! Quicker googly, on a length, outside off. Suryakumar Yadav picks the wrong'un, stays back and guides it between the first slip and the short third fielders for a boundary to get off the mark.

The next batter is Suryakumar Yadav.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Rickelton couldn't have picked a fielder any better there. This is full and tossed up around off. Rickelton gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it, but gets a bit of top edge and airs it straight down the throat of Urvil Patel at deep backward square leg, who makes no mistake. Rickelton's fun comes to an end after a proactive start. Noor looks up at the heavens as he gets his first wicket eventually and MI are 59/2.

Googly, pitched on a length outside off. Spins back in sharply as Rickelton drops to a knee, gets into a bit of a tangle, and attempts the reverse sweep against the spin. Loses his balance in the process, and the ball rolls away to backward point.

PUT DOWN! Dube shells an absolute dolly. Noor is shellshocked and the crowd goes silent as well. A short ball, googly, outside off. Naman tries to cut it away but gets a thick outside edge and the ball lobs to the right of Dube. Shivam moves to his right from short third, but puts it down. A single taken.

Touch full and wide outside off, a normal leg break from Noor. Ryan Rickelton throws his bat at it and scythes it to deep point for a single.

End of the Powerplay, and Mumbai are in the ascendancy here. Noor Ahmad comes into the attack immediately after the fielding restrictions are lifted.

Much fuller on middle, Ryan flicks it off the front foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 10 runs off the over. MI finish their Powerplay strongly at 57/1.

Low full toss, around off, Ryan drives it to mid off but cannot get it past.

Sharp inswing, from middle to leg, Ryan Rickelton whips the fuller one off the inner half to deep backward square leg for two runs.

Back of a length, at 125.5 kph, skidding through on the leg stump line. Naman Dhir tries to work it across off the back foot, but plays all over it and wears it on the thigh pad. The ball rolls in front of backward point and they cross for a leg bye. A slight appeal for LBW by Mukesh, but nothing doing.

SIX! Picked and dumped in the stands! Fuller on the leg stump line, Naman Dhir clears the front leg, and uses his wrists to whip it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a cracking six. 50 UP FOR MUMBAI INDIANS!

Full and a bit of outswing on off, Naman Dhir presses in front and drives it crisply but finds mid off in the way.

Ryan Rickelton is on a rampage right now and MI have hit 6 sixes in the last 3 overs. Mukesh Choudhary switches ends now.

SIX MORE! Rickelton on the charge for MI! Another bit of loosener from Veer. This is full in front of the sticks, Ryan Rickelton picks the length early and slogs it comfortably once again over the long on fence for half a dozen runs. 18 runs from Prashant's first.

SIX! Goes all the way! Drops it full and on middle, into the slot. Ryan Rickelton gets down on a knee and slogs it cleanly over long on for a six. Fourth six already for Ryan Rickelton.

Drags the length back, around off. Ryan plays off the back foot and punches it to cover.

SIX! That's a good strike! A half volley, on the leg stump line. Ryan Rickelton gets his front foot across, sits down on a knee and sweeps it aerially over deep fine leg for a biggie. Good use of the wrists there by Rickelton.

Drifts it across the batter, full outside off. Ryan Rickelton leans on and carves it straight to mid off.

Around the stump, too full, on off. Rickelton shovels it back to the bowler.

Assuming there will be a bowling change from this end. Yes. Spin has been deployed inside the restrictions. Here's Prashant Veer into the attack, replacing Mukesh Choudhary.

Hard length, wider outside off, eased away towards deep point for a single.

Wow, Rickelton was gone for all the money there, but Kamboj has hurried the throw here. This is bowled fairly full and wide outside off. Rickelton reaches out and jams it into the deck. The ball goes barely into the off side and Rickelton is off for the single. He realizes there's no chance of a single and turns back but Kamboj gets to the ball quickly and Rickelton gives up. However, Kamboj fails to get the direct hit in and Rickelton is able to jog back into his crease.

Pitched fuller and just outside off, using the natural angle to get it away from the left-hander. Rickelton looks to slog it over wide long on but is well beaten.

Good length again, this time in the channel. Dhir stays leg side of the ball and punches it with an open bat face to deep point and collects a single.

SIX! Slammed away deep into the stands. A length ball, around the top of the middle stump. Naman Dhir stays compact and hits through the line, launching it over long on for a biggie.

Hard length, slanted across off, hit away past point for a single by Rickelton.

A very profitable over for MI. Rickelton showed a bit of positive intent that takes Mumbai's run rate above run-a-ball. Kamboj to continue.

A skiddy short ball over middle and leg, Dhir gets hurried into the pull but manages to hit it away in front of square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.

Banged into the pitch, slightly short and wide. Rickelton gets on his toes and pats it down behind point for a run.

Oh, a bit of hesitation between the batters now. Good length around off, tapped away towards Noor Ahmad at cover. Rickelton sets off for the single, but Naman Dhir rightly sends him back.

SIX! Back-to-back from Rickelton! Dug in short over off and middle, Rickelton is waiting for it and lays into the pull shot as he whacks it high over deep mid-wicket for another biggie.

SIX! That's a fine shot. Fuller delivery, shapes away from around off. Ryan Rickelton backs away a bit leg side, waits for the swing and then hits it up and over covers for the first six of the game.

Another swing and a miss. A fraction shorter than a good length, shapes away from around off. Rickelton leans back to pull but misses.

Mukesh Choudhary to continue.

Kamboj bowls a heavy length and hits the deck hard around off. Naman Dhir swings wildly at it, but the ball sails well over the blade. A wicket and 4 runs off the second over.

This one swings late. Fullish length wide outside off, Dhir reaches out to drive, but the ball just nips back in off the deck and goes past the inside edge.

FOUR! Oh, that's streaky. A yorker now, around middle stump. Naman Dhir is late to jam a straight bat at it and gets a thickish inside edge that runs down to long leg and rolls into the vacant fence.

A tad fuller now, in and around the off stump, Naman Dhir punches it to the cover fielder.

Kamboj strikes big in his first over and further increases his wicket tally this season. Naman Dhir walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! What a take from the debutant! Anshul Kamboj bashes the good length and bowls it around the top of off and middle. Will Jacks charges down the track again and looks to heave it leg side but ends up slicing it off the top edge. The ball sails over backward point and Ramakrishna Ghosh comes charging in from the deep. He dives forward to pouch it brilliantly with both hands. MI are 1/1.

Pitched-up delivery, outside off, Jacks comes down the pitch and makes a bit of room but mistimes the shot straight to covers.

Superb start for Mukesh and CSK. Got the ball moving a bit and didn't gave any sort of room. Anshul Kamboj, CSK's leading wicket-taker so far, will bowl from the opposite end. A slip in place.

Excellent start from Mukesh, just a single off it. Good length again, in the channel and angling away, Rickelton looks to drive but ends up jamming it off the inner half of the blade and into the off side.

On a good length, much straighter as well at 140.6 kph. Rickelton gets a bit squared up and defends it down in front of mid on.

Nice shape again. Pitched up fuller on off, swings away from the left-hander. Ryan Rickelton plays it late and blocks it towards cover.

Jacks and Mumbai Indians are finally underway. Back of a length and outside off, steered away to the right of deep third for a single.

Now some swing on the fuller delivery. On the leg stump, shaping in, Jacks looks to flick but misses and wears it around the boot.

Good carry first up. Mukesh Choudhary peppers the hard length and darts it across the right-hander's off stump. Will Jacks looks to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce.

All in readiness for the biggest rivalry of IPL to get underway in Chennai. The two umpires walk out. Needless to say, it's a full house with yellow dominating the blues in the crowd. Ruturaj Gaikwad has his men in a huddle before the Super Kings scatter throughout the park. Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks are the two MI openers. Mukesh Choudhary has the new ball and will bowl the opening over. Jacks to face. A slip in place. Here we go!

Impact Player options for CSK - Kartik Sharma, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, Matthew Short, and Gurjapneet Singh.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh (In for Kartik Sharma), Prashant Veer (In for Akeal Hosein), Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, and Mukesh Choudhary (In for Gurjapneet Singh).

Impact Player options for MI - Raj Bawa, Raghu Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, and Ashwani Kumar.

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI) - Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat (In for Ashwani Kumar), Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and AM Ghazanfar.

The skipper of Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad says they would have batted first as well. Details that the wicket looks pretty good and looks on the drier side and thinks it won't change much throughout the game. Admits that in the previous game they were put into a very difficult position but underlines that they recovered well and put on a fighting score on the board. He notes it was a bit of a tough track to bat on in the last game and says everyone's confidence is high. On his message to the team, Gaikwad says there is nothing much, just to stick to their process, keep it simple and try to do the basics right. He acknowledges it is a pressure game and a must-win, but says if they do their process right, the results will come. On team changes, Gaikwad confirms they have a couple of changes, with Ramakrishna Ghosh coming in for Gurjapneet Singh and Prashant Veer coming in for Akeal Hosein.

The captain of Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya says that it looks like a good track. In the T20 World Cup, they played against Zimbabwe on this wicket and it played well. Adds that they batted well in the last game and wants to give another chance batting first. Pandya mentions that it has been a must-win situation for the last 7-8 games. There is still a lot to play for, especially for pride. They are professionals and will have to play good cricket to get the result. Hardik shares that they haven't lost games over 40 overs, it has been those 2-3 overs which have cost them. He reckons that if they can take the half-chances, create half-chances, score the runs they need, they will be in a better position. Informs that Raghu Sharma, the leggie, is making his debut. Krish Bhagat also comes back in the side for Ashwani Kumar.

It does land as 'Heads' and Mumbai Indians will BAT first.

TOSS - It's toss time in Chennai. Ruturaj Gaikwad is already out in the middle, having a chat with Ravi Shastri, and after a bit of a wait, Hardik Pandya too walks out to the middle. Gaikwad and Pandya give each other a warm hug before the flip of the coin. It is Gaikwad who gives it a flick, and Pandya calls 'Heads.'

THIS JUST IN - Raghu Sharma has just been handed his maiden cap for Mumbai Indians. A big moment for the leg spinner and he looks ecstatic to get this chance. We are just a couple of minutes away from toss now, stay tuned.

Ryan Rickelton is in for a quick chat now - On being asked how he is feeling after the century in the previous and how the team atmosphere is, Ryan Rickelton says he is over the moon to get an IPL hundred, which he calls a dream come true. Admits that he is a bit disappointed to see massive scores getting chased down so easily and frequently. But says that there is still a lot to look forward to. On being asked how he managed to perform so well at such short notice, given that he was not supposed to play, Rickelton reveals that he was in the pool, relaxing, and had trained in the gym the previous morning but was not ready to play. He says that when he got to know he was playing, he kept things simple and went about his work. He adds that the lesson from that is not to be too serious about something that is actually serious, and says the key is to be in the zone when required and know how to switch off otherwise. He also mentions that he does not know how long Quinton de Kock is going to be out for, but says that means he now has the responsibility. On being asked how to win the powerplay, be it with the ball or with the bat, Rickelton says the team needs to make sure they do what they can, and that every player must stick to what he does best and execute accordingly. He says there is no need to try doing what others can, and that each player should just do what he can and do it at his best. He ends by hoping that he and Will Jacks can get off to a strong start together once again.

Let's now hear from CSK's Akeal Hosein - Akeal Hosein says that they don't see this game any differently from the start of the season. Every match is important, yes, there is added pressure with where they are in the table but they treat each game equally important. Akeal mentions that it does give confidence performing well against the same opposition, but in cricket, every day is a new day. You have to take the positives from what worked in that game, but this is a different venue and they might have a different team, so you have to learn and adapt to situations quickly as well. Hosein shares that bowling in the Powerplay, you have to find ways either to contain the batters or get them out. It's already difficult with only two fielders outside the circle, and one thing you have to do is not be too greedy. The key is to make the batters hit either to the left, right, or over those fielders rather than giving them more scoring options.

PITCH REPORT - Former England skipper Eoin Morgan is pitchside. He starts by saying that the square boundaries are 65 meters and 66 meters on either side, and down the ground, it is a 78-meter hit. Adds that there is a bit of a breeze and they are on Pitch number 5, which was used in CSK's first home game. Former Whiter Ferns player, Katey Martin, joins Morgs and says that it is a fresh wicket, made up of black soil, and reckons that it's been watered well. Feels that the seamers will look to hit a 6-8 meter length. They both feel that 210 is a good score on this wicket and reckon that the team winning the toss should be looking to field first.

Looking for inspiration - Both teams come into this clash but CSK do have 3 wins in their last 5 games, including a 103-run win over tonight's rivals. MI, meanwhile, have only one win in their last 5 matches and will feel that a win here in the den of their eternal rivals will give them a major boost. Neither team will back down from a fight, and if either of these two teams find their best form, they could be unstoppable, so expect a fierce game. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

A mixed bag for World Cup winners - There are plenty of match-winners on both sides, including a plethora of stars from India's 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad. While Sanju Samson has carried that form and struck a couple of stellar centuries, he hasn't been as consistent as CSK would like. Shivam Dube has also endured an inconsistent season, unable to replicate his form from over the last year or so. However, MI face a deeper crisis, with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav looking like a shadow of themselves, and if MI are to turn their season around, their star players need to step up big time.

IPL El Classico is back - After meeting less than 10 days ago, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians meet yet again, this time at Chepauk, in what is a historically iconic fixture in the IPL. What's not iconic is the current form of these two stalwarts and any sort of a slip-up from hereon can prove to be decisive. On that note, welcome to the coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

Round 2 of El Clasico - A new chapter in a rivalry steeped in history is set to unfold down south as the Chennai Super Kings host the Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Two of the most successful franchises in the league's history, with five titles each to their name, but this season they have looked anything but the champion outfits of their title-winning years. Both sides find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table and are searching for a turnaround. MI's uphill battle - With just 2 wins from 8 matches, the Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position. It will take something special to turn their season around from here. Even if they manage to win all six of their remaining games and get to 16 points, it may not be enough for the Hardik Pandya-led unit. Searching for stability - Injuries and inconsistent form have disrupted their stability at the top of the order. MI have already tried four different opening combinations this season. Rohit Sharma's absence has been followed by Quinton de Kock's wrist injury. QDK's injury opened the door for Ryan Rickelton, who made the most of his opportunity with a stunning 123* against SRh, the highest individual score by an MI batter in the league's history. With Rohit still recovering from a hamstring injury, MI are expected to continue with Rickelton and Will Jacks at the top. Missing the spark - While the opening pair offers promise, the real concern lies in the middle order. The likes of Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav have yet to deliver. Varma's season has been a tale of extremes. His unbeaten 101 against the Titans showcased his potential, but outside of that innings, runs have been hard to come by. Suryakumar, too, has not been able to replicate the brilliance of his 2025 campaign, where he amassed 717 runs in 16 innings. His lack of impact has left MI without their usual middle-order engine. Bowling under the scanner - The bowling unit has been an even bigger concern. A lack of penetration has hurt them throughout the season, and their inability to defend 243 in the previous game would have dealt a significant blow to confidence. They have struggled not just to take wickets at crucial moments but also to control the flow of runs. The biggest surprise has been Jasprit Bumrah, who has been uncharacteristically ineffective, averaging 132 this season. Conditions in Chennai could offer a slight reprieve. With slightly bigger boundaries and a surface that is not expected to be overly batting-friendly, MI's bowlers could find more assistance than they have at home. CSK searching for consistency - Just three wins from eight games, and it has been a season of fits and starts for the Chennai Super Kings. They opened with three straight defeats, responded with back-to-back wins, but have since slipped into another inconsistent run. CSK will take confidence from their earlier meeting against MI in Mumbai, where they registered their biggest win (103 runs) in IPL history. That performance showed what this side is capable of when everything clicks. Samson carrying the burden - At the top, CSK have become heavily reliant on Sanju Samson to set the tone, especially after losing Ayush Mhatre to injury. While Samson has provided impetus, the lack of support has hurt them. The form, or rather the lack of it, from Ruturaj Gaikwad has only added to their concerns. The issues extend into the middle order. Much like MI, CSK have struggled to find consistency in this phase. Runs have dried up, and the inability to stitch together meaningful partnerships has often stalled their innings at crucial moments. Key men with the ball - On the bowling front, there have been encouraging signs. Anshul Kamboj has emerged as a standout performer, while Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein have combined effectively, with Akeal keen to bounce back after a tough outing against GT. Jamie Overton has made good use of the Chepauk conditions, while Mukesh Choudhary has stepped in well after Khaleel Ahmed's season-ending injury. Team form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - CSK - LWLWW | MI - LLWLL. Not your usual Chepauk - When you think of Chepauk, spin is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but this season has told a different story. Pacers have enjoyed more success so far, accounting for 29 of the 41 wickets to fall in the four games played here. The scoring trends have shifted as well. Last season, the 200-mark wasn't breached even once in six games in Chennai. This year, it has already been crossed three times in just four matches. The scoring rate has also seen a noticeable jump, rising to 9.6, compared to being under 9 in the previous five seasons. Interestingly, all three of CSK's wins this season have come while batting first, so they might be inclined to do the same if they win the toss. As for MI, it is a bit of a dilemma. Batting first allows them to play with freedom, without scoreboard pressure, but can they trust their bowlers to defend, especially after what happened in the last game? All in all, it promises to be a gripping contest between two sides desperate to find momentum.