Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL, 2024 Full score card

FOUR LEG BYES! Chennai and Shivam Dube finish off the run chase and have won the first game of the season. Alzarri Joseph pitches the ball up with pace on the pads of Shivam Dube who looks to flick the ball but gets a hit on the pads and the ball rolls away to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Bengaluru take the review but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball has pitched outside the leg stump.

This looks more in hope than anything else. The third umpire is called into action for an LBW review. Nothing on UltraEdge and as it looked at first glance, the ball has pitched outside leg on Ball Tracking.

SIX! Shivam Dube slams Alzarri Joseph for a huge SIX! Alzarri Joseph drops it short once again and this time Shivam Dube stands ready and pulls it away from the middle of the bat and deposits the ball into the stands over deep square leg. Chennai now just 2 runs away from the first win of the season.

A very well-directed short ball again at the batter. Shivam Dube looks to launch a pull but misses it completely.

WIDE! Wayward outside the leg stump line with pace. Good take behind the stumps by Anuj Rawat but the umpire signals WIDE.

Short of a length, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja pulls it through square leg for a single.

Short and wide outside the off stump line. Shivam Dube looks to cut the ball but gets beaten.

FOUR! What a shot from Shivam Dube! Good ball from Mohammed Siraj as he bangs in short on top of the off stump line and Shivam Dube stands tall and launches the ball straight over the bowler's head and gets it to go away to the fence.

Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Shivam Dube drives it straight to covers from the crease.

Zips past the outside edge of the bat this time. Good comeback from Mohammed Siraj from a good length outside the off stump. Anuj Rawat asking the umpire for a caught behind but the umpire says no.

FOUR! Shivam Dube gets another boundary! Plays the situation well and picks out the gap! Just short from Mohammed Siraj at the body of the batter and Shivam Dube pulls it away to the deep square leg boundary for four more runs.

Tries to go full but ends up serving a waist-high full toss, on off, Shivam Dube punches it to extra cover.

Fuller and on off, Shivam Dube knocks it with a straight bat to mid off for a single.

FOUR BYES! That has zipped through! Bangs it in short, around off, Shivam Dube misses out on the pull and the ball sails through towards the keeper. Anuj Rawat leaps but the ball keeps rising and only manages to get fingertips to it. The ball races away for a boundary.

Halt! Anuj Rawat has injured his right index finger and the physio is out to have a look. The treatment is complete and we are all good to go now.

WIDE! Another wayward bouncer! The Umpire signals wide.

FOUR! Uses the pace to his advantage! Shivam Dube playing a gem of an innings! Back of a length, on off, Shivam Dube waits on it and uses the pace to ramp it wide of short third for a boundary.

WIDE! Too short this time, over the head of Shivam Dube. The umpire signals a WIDE!

Angling across, on a back of a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja drags the pull to wide long on for a single.

Another good short ball at Ravindra Jadeja with pace. Ravindra Jadeja looks to pull it but is rushed and tosses it up in the air towards the mid-wicket region. The batters run hard and pick up a couple.

Bangs the ball in short just outside the off stump line and Ravindra Jadeja stays back and cuts the ball to sweeper covers for a single. Mohammed Siraj throws it towards the batting end and hits the stumps there. The ball rolls towards the keeper and Jadeja wants to sneak in a single. He gets sent back by Dube. Anuj Rawat picks it up and tries to catch Jadeja by surprise by throwing at the bowling end. He fails to hit the stumps at the bowling end and no one is alert enough to back the throw up. The batters pick up the second off the over throw at the bowler's end and it was a needless throw from the Bengaluru keeper.

Short and wide to Ravindra Jadeja outside the off stump and he slices it to sweeper cover for a run to end the over.

Holds the length back on top of the stumps and Shivam Dube flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Ravindra Jadeja drives the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

Short and wide outside the off stump line and Shivam Dube tucks it over point where Mayank Dagar saves a boundary and keeps it down to 3 runs at deep backward point.

WIDE! Wayward bouncer over the head of the tall Shivam Dube. The umpire signals wide.

FOUR! Short ball and punished! Shivam Dube uses the pace and finds the gap! Cameron Green bangs in short at the body of the batter. Shivam Dube stays on the crease and pulls it away with good timing between deep square leg and fine leg to pick up four runs.

Holds the length back on top of the stumps. Ravindra Jadeja flicks the ball from the crease towards Rajat Patidar at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Break! The game looks to be going down the wire with Chennai needing 46 in 30 balls. The pair of Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja are at the crease and will look to bat sensibly to get their side over the line from here. Bengaluru have managed 4 wickets and need a couple more quickly to put the pressure back on Chennai. Let's see what happens after the break.

Slightly slower and shorter, angling away, on off, Shivam Dube tries to drag the pull but misses. The keeper, Anuj Rawat collects it well on the half-volley. 7 runs off the over and Chennai require 46 runs from the last five overs.

This is on a shortish length again, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja pulls it through square leg and rotates the strike.

Siraj bangs it into the deck again, on off and middle, Shivam Dube rolls his wrists nicely and hammers the pull towards deep mid-wicket where Glenn Maxwell mops it up. Just a single off it then.

Short of a length, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja rides the bounce and controls the pull to deep square leg for one. 5 runs off the first three balls.

A bit too straight again from Siraj, on a back of a length, around leg, Ravindra Jadeja shapes up for the pull but gets it finer than he intended. Cameron Green sprints to his left at fine leg but cannot prevent Jadeja from coming for the second run.

Bowls it at 136 kph, full but the line is on the pads, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it with ease to the right of deep square leg. Glenn Maxwell covers good ground and slides in the deep to keep it down to just two.

Half a shout but turned down and rightly so, as it had come off Dube's pads. Slants it in, on a nagging length, on the pads, Shivam Dube tries to help it away off his pads but misses. The keeper, Anuj Rawat moves swiftly to his right and snaffles it but the umpire is unmoved.

A bit of extra bounce, short and on off, Shivam Dube makes room and cracks the cut towards backward point where Mohammed Siraj dives to his left and saves at least a couple of runs for his side.

Pushes it through, short and on middle; Shivam Dube punches it back to the bowler.

Full and sliding in, on middle and leg, eased with a straight bat to long on for one.

SIX! Easy as you like! Maxwell loops it up, full and right in the slot for the batter, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja holds his shape and does not try to overhit this one. Clears the long on fence with ease for a maximum.

Darts this one in from around the wicket, full and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja plays for the turn but this keeps straight and it comes off the inner half of the bat towards the bowler.

Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack for Bengaluru.

Slower and shorter, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja pulls it without much timing to deep mid-wicket and retains the strike with a single. End of a successful over from Green and Chennai now need 60 runs in 42 balls.

Angling in, on a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja extends his arms and drives it to the left of deep cover. He takes a couple of runs to get off the mark.

WIDE! Green tries the bumper again but this goes over the batter's head for a wide. Anuj Rawat leaps and makes the stop.

Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and delivers it on a hard length, Ravindra Jadeja taps it in front of cover and looks for a single but the fielder is quick to get to the ball and prevents the quick single.

Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat for Chennai.

OUT! CAUGHT! Cameron Green has his second and the short ball ploy has done the trick for Bengaluru. Green digs it in short again, over off and middle, Daryl Mitchell backs away and stays deep in his crease. Mitchell does not back down from taking on the short ball and shapes up to flat bat it down the ground. He does not get the desired elevation and hits it flat and straight down the throat of long on where Rajat Patidar does the rest.

In the air..but it falls safe! Green bowls it on a back of a length, on middle, Shivam Dube tries to pull it away but fails to ride the bounce. It comes off the upper half of the bat but lands safely in the vacant square leg region. They cross.

A big, big shout for caught behind but turned down! The keeper, Anuj Rawat is convinced as is Cameron Green. Faf du Plessis takes the review. Green steams in from over the wicket and angles it across, outside off, Shivam Dube tries to take on the short ball but connects with thin air. There is nothing on UltraEdge and Bengaluru lose their review. Signalled as one bouncer for the over from the umpire.

Joseph takes pace off this time but the length stays short, over off and middle, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg and waits for the ball to arrive. Pulls it to the right of wide long on and comes back for the second run. 7 runs off it, not a bad over for Chennai considering that they need just over 8 runs per over at this stage.

Bends his back and digs it in short, at the helmet of the batter, Shivam Dube anticipates it and pulls it through square leg for one more run.

This is bowled at 143.9 kph, on a hard length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell sits deep in his crease and he is unable to transfer his weight onto the front foot. He is hurried into his shot and mistimes the hit to long on and they cross.

Another bumper aimed at Dube, on off, Shivam Dube gets on his toes and drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for one.

At 142 kph, on a hard length, around off, Daryl Mitchell goes deep in his crease to go big on the leg side but he has to check his shot seeing the length and ends up pushing it in front of long on for a run.

This is on a back of a length, outside off, Shivam Dube stays leg side of the ball and punches it to deep point for one.

Short of a length, angling away, outside off, Shivam Dube slashes at it and gets an outside edge that goes down to deep third for one.

Goes short again does Green, at the batter, Shivam Dube shapes up for the pull but connects with thin air.

Length delivery, on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it in front of square on the leg side and gets to the other end.

Keeps it into the wicket, over middle, Shivam Dube pulls it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single to open his account.

Shivam Dube is the Impact Player for Chennai, replacing Mustafizur Rahman. Dube walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Cameron Green fights back! Ajinkya Rahane goes after the short ball again but it does not come off this time! Green bangs it into the deck and serves it on off, Ajinkya Rahane is tries to adjust to play the pull. He checks his pull and it goes only as far as deep square leg where Glenn Maxwell runs initially but recovers well to time the jump and reverse cups it over his head. A much-needed breakthrough for Bengaluru.

SIX! Ajinkya Rahane takes on the short ball and gets the reward! Green digs it in short, at the body of the batter, Ajinkya Rahane hops back and swivels to ride the bounce. Pulls it with disdain over deep backward square leg for a maximum.

WIDE! Starts from over the wicket and tries to angle it back in but slips it down leg, on a length, Ajinkya Rahane misses the tickle and it is called a wide.

Short ball at the batter this time. Ajinkya Rahane gets deep in the crease and flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

Fires it in, on a fullish length, around off, Daryl Mitchell digs it out in front of cover for a single.

Flat and short, on middle, Daryl Mitchell plays it back to the bowler.

Short and wide outside the off stump. Daryl Mitchell cuts it hard but straight to point.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane taps it to long on for a run.

Floats it up fuller on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell drives the ball to long off for a single.

Fuller on the middle stump. Daryl Mitchell drives it to long on for a run.

Floats the ball up on the line of the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Daryl Mitchell flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Two in two for Daryl Mitchell! Pressure on Karn Sharma straight away! Karn Sharma pitches the ball fuller again but this time bowls it outside the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell takes the front foot outside the line of the off stump and plays the ball over the head of long off and gets his team another maximum.

SIX! That's hit straight as an arrow! Karn Sharma tosses the ball up on the line of the stumps and Daryl Mitchell takes the front foot out and launches the ball up and over the bowler's head for a huge maximum.

Pitches it up on the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell plays a defence straight to covers.

Bowls an arm ball from a shorter length on the middle stump line. Ajinkya Rahane is hurried and gets a hit on the pads outside the line of the leg stump.

Just short on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell gets back and drives it to long off to open his account with a single.

Brings the length back outside the off stump. Daryl Mitchell stays on the crease and knocks the ball towards covers.

Flighted ball just outside the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell walks out and blocks it back to the bowler.

Drops it short outside the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell stays back and cuts the ball straight to point.

Floats the ball up outside the off stump line. Ajinkya Rahane drives it to sweeper cover for a single.

Strategic break! Chennai would have loved for Rachin Ravindra to keep going but this is still a good start for them in the pursuit of 174 runs. The free-scoring strokeplay from Rachin has meant that the required run rate is under control for Chennai. As for Bengaluru, they will be relieved to see the back of Rachin and will now look to tighten the screws in the middle phase with wickets at regular intervals. Time for more spin as Mayank Dagar comes on to bowl. Also, Daryl Mitchell is the new batter for Chennai.

OUT! CAUGHT! Here is the wicket that Bengaluru were waiting for! Rachin Ravindra departs and Chennai are now 2 down. Karn Sharma tosses the ball up, slow on the line of the stumps and Rachin Ravindra plays a slog sweep timing it well but taking it flat and straight to Rajat Patidar at deep square leg who takes a comfortable catch to send back Rachin Ravindra.

SIX! Rachin Ravindra is hitting flat sixes for fun! and making a statement in his first Indian T20 League game. Karn Sharma drops it short at the batter on top of the off stump line and Rachin Ravindra gets deep in the crease and pulls it away over the deep mid-wicket fence for a flat maximum.

Tosses it up slow on the line of the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane drives the ball to long on for a single.

Pitches the ball short on the off stump line. Ajinkya Rahane gets deep in the crease and plays it straight to point.

Fuller on the stumps with pace. Ajinkya Rahane flicks the ball to the right of long on and runs a couple.

Holds it short at the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane stays back and taps it back to the bowler.

Buzzers! Dayal bowls it right in the blockhole, on off, Ajinkya Rahane gets his bat down and jams it out to cover-point where Mayank Dagar comes charging in and hits the stumps at the bowling end. Rahane is in by then and the ball deflects towards the mid-wicket region, allowing the batters to run two more runs.

Just over! Hurls it full again and angling across, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane shapes up to go up and over mid off. Gets it off the toe-end of the bat but gets enough bat on it to clear the backtracking Faf du Plessis there. A couple of runs taken.

Fuller in length, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane leans into it and carves it over cover-point for a couple of runs.

SIX! Stand and deliver stuff from Rahane! Not a bad delivery from Dayal as this is on a good length, on off, Ajinkya Rahane picks up the length early and hits it through the line. He has no intention of keeping it along the ground and cross-bats it over mid off for a biggie.

Nails the yorker, outside off, Ajinkya Rahane tries to squeeze it out on the off side but misses.

Angling away again at 136.7 kph, full and around off, Ajinkya Rahane is tentative as he looks to drive it on the off side and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Hits the length hard on top of the off stump line. Rachin Ravindra looks to slog it over square leg but gets beaten and gets a hit on the thigh pads.

Short and wide outside off and Rachin Ravindra launches it towards Faf du Plessis at mid off and the ball dips on him and falls in front. Faf du Plessis is not able to stop it on the first attempt and the batters run a couple.

WIDE! Wayward outside the line of the leg stump. Rachin Ravindra looks to pull it but the ball misses him. The umpire signals wide.

Holds the length back outside the off stump line and Ajinkya Rahane taps it down to deep third for a single.

Bangs on the good length on top of the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane gets a hit high on the pads. The players ask for LBW but the Umpire says no.

Hits the length hard just outside the off stump line. Rachin Ravindra taps the ball to the left of Mohammed Siraj at covers and runs a single.

SIX! What a welcome for Alzarri Joseph! Rachin Ravindra picks it up well and sends it all the way! Alzarri Joseph bangs in short at the body of the batter and Rachin Ravindra pulls it away, getting the toe end of the bat, flying away over short fine leg for a flat six.

Ajinkya Rahane walks out to bat for Chennai. Also, Alzarri Joseph comes on to bowl now.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Yash Dayal gets the Chennai skipper! Cameron Green takes it on the second attempt and the plan to keep a slip and make Gaikwad drive has paid rich dividends for Faf du Plessis and Bengaluru. Dayal stays over the wicket and slants it across the right-hander, on a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad is lured into the drive and he makes the mistake of playing from away from his body. He pays the ultimate price as he gets an outside edge that goes straight to first slip where the ball hits Green on the palm and pops out. He is aware where the ball has gone and takes it to his right on the second attempt.

FOUR! Poor delivery and it gets the treatment! Dayal gets his line wrong again this time to the right-hander, on a length, on the pads, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits on it and helps it off his pads to the right of short fine leg for four more runs.

Goes full in search of swing and bowls it outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets his weight on the front foot and frees his arms to drive it to the right of Faf du Plessis at mid off for a single.

This is on a hard length, on off, a bit of away movement, Rachin Ravindra stays leg side of the ball and punches it neatly but straight to cover-point.

FOUR! Wristy from Rachin! Dayal errs in line as this is on the pads, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra uses the angle to his advantage and works it off his pads to the right of short fine leg for another boundary.

Delivers it on a length and slants it across, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presses forward and steers it down to deep backward point with an open bat face for one.

SIX! Top edge and it has cleared the fence! Siraj bangs it in short at 145 kph, at the body of the batter, Rachin Ravindra trie to take on the short ball and goes for the pull. Gets a top edge that sails over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Short and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and punches it to deep point for a single.

A bit too straight from Siraj again, on a length, Rachin Ravindra clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Mayank Dagar is at it again! Another fine stop. Fuller in length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it towards extra cover where Mayank Dagar sprints across to his right and makes the stop. Just a single off it then.

That could have gone anywhere! Lands it on a hard length, on middle, Rachin Ravindra shapes up to work it across the line but the ball stops in the surface and it lobs over the leaping Mohammed Siraj. They cross.

FOUR! A good effort but in vain! Siraj drifts on the pads again and it swings nicely for the batter, on a length, Rachin Ravindra lets the ball come to him and flicks it to the right of fine leg. Yash Dayal dives to his right and gets a hand on it but the ball trickles into the fence.

WIDE! Siraj loses his radar and sprays it down leg, on a full length, Rachin Ravindra fails to help it away and it is called as a wide by the umpire.

Trifecta of plays and misses! Dayal drags his length back and continues to angle it across the right-hander, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pokes at it and fails to connect again. A good probing over from the Impact Player, Yash Dayal.

And again! Bowls with an upright seam, full and angling across, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad is lured into the drive but the ball nips away and whizzes past the outside edge. There's a slip waiting for the outside edge in the form of Cameron Green.

Beaten! At 133.4 kph and hits the deck hard does Dayal, on the sixth stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad has a fiddle at the away going delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Gets away with it! A bit too straight from Dayal, on a hard length, on leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets inside the line and glances it straight to short fine leg. A few inches to the left or right would have been a boundary for the Chennai skipper.

Goes full and gets a hint of away shape, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra plays it right under his eyes and nudges it to the left of mid on. Faf du Plessis runs across and slides to keep it down to just a single.

FOUR! Rachin Ravindra is underway with a lucky boundary! Dayal starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length, wide on off, Rachin Ravindra goes after it and throws his hands at it. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the off-stump and races to the right of the keeper for a boundary.

Yash Dayal will bowl the second over of the Run Chase.

Another one that keeps low! Much straighter this time, on a back of a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad angles the face of his bat to pat it down on the off side. The ball does not rise and scoots under the bat. It goes on the bounce to the keeper, Anuj Rawat who gets his body behind the ball to make the stop.

FOUR! In the air but it is in the gap! Siraj hurls it on a good length and offers width on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries to latch onto the width and drives away from the body. Hits it aerially but it goes in the gap between point and cover-point for another boundary.

Shaping away in the corridor of off, on a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad lets it go through to the keeper.

Excellent effort! Serves it on a hard length now, around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it on the up towards backward point. Mayank Dagar springs to his right and saves a certain boundary with an acrobatic effort.

A hint of away movement, on a good length, in the channel on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back to punch it away on the off side but the ball keeps a bit low and goes under the bat. It goes on the bounce to the keeper, Anuj Rawat.

FOUR! BOOM! Cracking start for Ruturaj Gaikwad and Chennai! Siraj steams in from over the wicket and digs it in short, on off, but it is not short enough to trouble the batter. Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels in his crease and hammers the pull in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anuj Rawat comes out to the middle now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cameron Green is the new batter.

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

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

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

Glenn Maxwell makes his way out to the centre.

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

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

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

Rajat Patidar is in at number 3 for Bengaluru.

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

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

Pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Faf du Plessis lets the ball go through.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

... MATCH DAY ...

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