Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings IPL, 2023

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Rahul Tewatia takes Gujarat home with 4 balls to spare! Tushar Deshpande bowls it full and at the stumps, Rahul Tewatia gets into a good position and drills it back past the stumps at the non-striker's end. The ball races away to the fence and it is Gujarat who emerge victorious in this opening game by 5 wickets.

SIX! That should do it for Gujarat! Goes searching for the yorker on the off side, Rahul Tewatia gets across to the off side and thumps it over long off for a maximum. The scores are level now.

WIDE! Sprays it full but way outside off, Rahul Tewatia frees his arms to carve this one over covers but misses. He does not connect and the umpire signals a wide.

Tushar Deshpande (3-0-40-1) to bowl the final over. Can he defend 7 runs?

Slower and short outside off, Rashid Khan steps out of his crease and tries to slap this one hard but connects with thin air. Gujarat need 8 runs from the last over.

FOUR! Rashid Khan is taking Gujarat home here! Pace on this time and bowls it short on off, Rashid Khan throws his bat at the ball and finds success. The ball flies off the outer part of the bat and goes over short third man for a boundary.

SIX! BANG! Rashid Khan is up and running! Deepak Chahar bowls it right in the slot at the stumps, Rashid Khan isn't one to miss out as he clears his front leg and smokes this one well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Short and on middle, Rahul Tewatia swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slight halt! MS Dhoni seems to have hurt his knee while diving to his right and seems to be in a bit of pain here. The physio is called out and Dhoni seems to be fine. We are good to continue.

Four Leg byes! Streaky but Rahul Tewatia ​​​​and Gujarat won't mind at all! Goes for the yorker and bowls it on leg, Rahul Tewatia looks to clip this one off his toes but does not get any bat on it. The ball comes off his pads and travels behind the wicket. Beats MS Dhoni to his right despite the dive.

Slower and into the wicket, outside off, Rahul Tewatia stays back and goes for the pull but misses.

Rashid Khan walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Rajvardhan Hangargekar delivers big time for Chennai! Bowls it slower and fuller in length, Vijay Shankar tries to clear the mid off fielder but gets deceived by the pace of the delivery. Ends up playing the shot early and skies this one high in the air towards mid off. Mitchell Santner stationed there back tracks while keeping his eyes on the ball and completes the catch in front of his face. Gujarat are in a spot of bother now as the well-set Vijay Shankar is back in the hut.

Tries to go full but ends up bowling a full toss near the tramline on the off side, Vijay Shankar reaches out to the delivery but does not connect. He has a word with Rahul Tewatia and goes upstairs for a review on wide. The UltraEdge shows no bat and the split screen replays show that the ball is inside the tramline and it is a fair delivery.

SIX! This is a pressure-relieving hit! Rajvardhan Hangargekar bends his back and bangs it in short and on off, Vijay Shankar stands tall and latches onto the pull shot. Hits it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

Fullish delivery on off by Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Rahul Tewatia digs this one out to mid off and sets off for a quick single. Deepak Chahar has a shy at the non-striker's end but does not hit. It would have been close call had Chahar hit.

Two dots to start the over! Full again and outside off, Rahul Tewatia drills it hard and on the bounce to mid off.

Full and angling across outside off, Rahul Tewatia frees his arms and swings to go down the ground but misses.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar (3-0-29-2) is back into the attack.

Short and angling across outside off, Rahul Tewatia reaches out and swats it to deep cover. Retains the strike with a single. A tidy over by Deepak Chahar. Gujarat now need 30 runs from the last 3 overs.

Short and angling in on off from 'round the wicket, Rahul Tewatia hangs back and slaps it straight to extra cover.

On a good length and just over the middle stump, Vijay Shankar makes room and carves this one towards deep point for a run.

Cramps the batter for room and bowls it fuller, Vijay Shankar presents a straight and pushes it to mid off.

Slower and on a length, angling in on middle, Rahul Tewatia knocks it down to long on and takes a single.

Bowls it into the wicket and on middle, Vijay Shankar helps this one to short fine leg and scampers across for a quick single.

Strategic break! With just 34 runs needed off 24 balls, it is Gujarat's to lose from here. Shubman Gill broke the back of the chase with a brilliant innings and was well supported by a couple of other batters as well. Vijay Shankar is the set batter on the crease and will look to finish the game off for Gujarat. Chennai have just about hung on by picking up a few timely wickets but they really need to pick up a couple of more wickets in quick succession to plant a seed of doubt into the opposition's mind. Will we see a miracle out there? Or will Gujarat go on and finish the job without a fuss? Let's find out.

Fired in full and at the stumps, Rahul Tewatia can only push this one to the left of the bowler.

Short and outside off, Rahul Tewatia makes room to cut but does not connect.

Full and quicker on off, Vijay Shankar drives it to deep cover and takes a single.

FOUR! Tossed up, short and outside off, Vijay Shankar has all the time in the world to rock back on his crease. Slaps it hard and right between deep cover and long off. Devon Conway and Ben Stokes run around from their respective positions but neither of them manages to prevent the boundary.

Flighted delivery, full around off, Rahul Tewatia presses forward and pushes it to point. Opens his account with a single.

Short and angling in on leg, Vijay Shankar gets inside the line and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Rahul Tewatia is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Ruturaj Gaikwad makes amends right away but the damage has been done. Tushar Deshpande bangs this one in over the stumps. Gill looks to take on the pull shot but gets cramped for room. Gill ends up forcing the shot and mistimes it badly toward deep mid-wicket. Gaikwad there comes in from the deep and takes a simple catch. The Impact Player for Chennai gets the big wicket. 41 needed now off 30 balls.

SIX! Parried over the ropes! Back of a length around off, Shubman Gill walks forward and uses his wrists to whip it flat and toward cow corner. Ruturaj Gaikwad runs to his left from deep mid-wicket but comes in a bit too much. Gaikwad has to leap for it and ends up fumbling it over the fence for a maximum.

Good length on a righter line around off, Vijay Shankar backs away and dabs it down toward third man for one.

Bowled back of a length and around off, Vijay Shankar looks to take it on but pulls it without much timing over the bowler's head for a couple of runs.

Angles this one in from middle and leg, Shubman Gill works it away behind square leg for a single.

Good length around off, Vijay Shankar plays it on the up toward deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Spins away into the fence! Rajvardhan Hangargekar bowls a slower bumper over middle. Shubman Gill tries to force the pull shot but gets a top edge down to fine leg for a boundary. Also, Gujarat have gone upstairs for a second short delivery in the over and they are asking for a no ball. The replays show that the ball is below shoulder height and it will be a fair delivery.

Just short of a length around off, Vijay Shankar drags the pull through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! An attempted slower bumper, goes down leg and a wide is called.

Banged in short again, Shubman Gill pulls it in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length over off stump, Vijay Shankar hops back and nudges it just behind square leg for one.

FOUR! Short ball over middle and leg, Vijay Shankar gets on top of the bounce and pulls it in front of square leg for a boundary.

Excellent fielding! Good length well outside off and begging to be hit. Vijay Shankar throws his hands at it and smashes it to the left of extra cover. Mitchell Santner there springs to his left and grabs it on the bounce to save a certain boundary.

WIDE! On a hard length, trying to attack the body but just angles down leg. A wide is called.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar (2-0-16-2) returns to the attack.

Fraction shorter on middle, Vijay Shankar rocks back and works it away well in front of mid-wicket for one. Top over from Ravindra Jadeja, just 3 runs and a wicket off it.

Good running! Flatter one on the pads, Vijay Shankar works it away in front of square leg and races back for the second run.

Pushed through around off, Vijay Shankar firms it on the bounce to extra cover.

A touch shorter around off, punched away toward extra cover.

At the stumps, Vijay Shankar blocks it out.

Vijay Shankar walks out to the middle.

OUT! TIMBER! Nelson does the trick for Chennai and Hardik Pandya is sent back to the hut. Ravindra Jadeja pushes this one through quicker and on off and middle. Pandya gets down on one knee and looks to sweep it hard through mid-wicket. The ball just deviates away a bit and Pandya is also beaten for pace here. The ball goes on to castle into the off stump and Gujarat lose their third wicket.

Full and around off, Pandya knocks it down to long off for a run. 68 needed now off 48 balls.

A bit round-arm and angling down leg. Hardik Pandya sits down to sweep but gets an inside edge off the pads and on the bounce to the left of the keeper.

Quicker one, on a nagging length and around off, this is hit away through the cover region for yet another single.

Slightly flighted around leg stump, Hardik Pandya pushes it through mid on and rotates the strike.

FIFTY for Shubman Gill and the young man just keeps on raking in the runs. This is short again outside off, Gill waits on the back foot and taps it through cover-point for one. Gill will now look to stay on and get his team over the line.

This is dropped short and down leg, Hardik Pandya shuffles and pulls it toward deep backward square leg for just a single.

Mitchell Santner (2-0-20-0) comes back into the attack.

SIX! Up and over! This is tossed up around off, Shubman Gill comes down the track and plays a lofted-punch over the wide long off fence for a maximum. Gill moves to 49 now.

FOUR! Fuller one, fired down leg, Shubman Gill gets down on one knee to sweep but gets an under edge. The ball races away into the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Flatter and quicker, angling into the pads, Hardik Pandya pushes it well in front of mid-wicket for another single.

This is fired in on the pads, Shubman Gill works it away through mid-wicket for a run.

Quicker one at 97.4 clicks and around off, Hardik Pandya defends it in front of point for a quick single.

Pushed through around off stump, Hardik Pandya pushes it toward cover.

Short and at the batter by Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Hardik Pandya gets hurried in his shot but still manages to pull it to long on for a run.

On a good length and on off, Hardik Pandya taps this one back to the bowler for a dot.

Short of a length and on middle, Hardik Pandya gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through mid-wicket. Mitchell Santner from deep square leg runs across and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

Gujarat skipper, Hardik Pandya walks in at number 4.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Rajvardhan Hangargekar strikes again and this time removes Sai Sudharsan! Bowls it short and near the tramline on the off side, Sai Sudharsan stays on the back foot and reaches out to the delivery. Gets it off the cue-end of the bat and it is pouched safely behind the wicket by MS Dhoni. Rajvardhan Hangargekar delivers a much-needed breakthrough for Chennai.

On a good length and outside off, Sai Sudharsan goes for the cut but gets hurried in his shot and does not connect.

Full and at the stumps, Shubman Gill works this one a bit uppishly towards mid-wicket for a single.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar (1-0-12-1) is back on.

Fired in at the pads by Ravindra Jadeja, Sai Sudharsan uses the pace and helps it towards the fine leg region. Devon Conway runs to his left and slides. Prevents the ball from reaching the fence by using his feet.

Short and on leg, Shubman Gill turns this one to deep square leg for a run. 50-run stand comes up between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.

Short and on off, Shubman Gill uses his feet and drives it wide of extra cover. Mitchell Santner there dives to his left and performs a half stop. He parries the ball to his right and the batters come back for the second run.

Flatter at the stumps, Shubman Gill gets behind the line and keeps this one out.

Short and turning in on middle, Sai Sudharsan goes back in his crease and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Angled in on middle and leg on a full length, Shubman Gill wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic break! Gujarat are completely bossing proceedings at the moment and need 97 runs off 72 balls now. Shubman Gill is going great guns and the Impact Player, Sai Sudharsan is certainly making an impact as well. Chennai need wickets and their spin trio will be key here as Gujarat are well ahead of the asking rate. A crucial middle phase of the chase is coming up.

Fired in quicker again and at the stumps, Shubman Gill works this one towards the vacant mid-wicket region and wants to return for the second run. Mitchell Santner sprints to the ball himself and keeps it to one. Another good over for Gujarat, 11 runs came off it.

FOUR! Goes full this time and outside off, Shubman Gill shimmies down the track and goes inside out. Gets it to the right of deep cover and collects another boundary.

Slower and short on off, Sai Sudharsan goes back and punches it to long off for a run.

FOUR! Short and touch slower, turning into the batter, Sai Sudharsan plays this one with the turn and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.

Sees the batter advance and fires it on off, Shubman Gill tries to drive but gets an inside edge that rolls to square leg for a run.

Goes wide of the crease and bowls it quicker at the stumps, Shubman Gill stays on the back foot and defends it back to the bowler.

Short again and around off by Ravindra Jadeja, Sai Sudharsan dabs it in front of short third man. Rajvardhan Hangargekar there fumbles which allows the batters to take the second run.

Short and quicker on off, Sai Sudharsan stays back and keeps it out.

Leg bye! Angled into the pads, Shubman Gill looks to nudge this one to square leg but misses. The ball comes off his pad and rolls to square leg for a leg bye.

Flatter and on off, Shubman Gill pushes this one away from his body to extra cover.

Darted in full and at the pads, Shubman Gill presses forward and places it in front of deep mid-wicket which allows him to come back for a couple of runs.

Starts with a quicker delivery on off, Sai Sudharsan knocks it down to long on for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja comes on to bowl now.

FOUR! Cut away! Short and quicker on off, Shubman Gill picks the length early and goes on the back foot. Chops it wide of backward point for yet another boundary.

Short again and on middle, Sai Sudharsan tucks it to deep mid-wicket for another single.

FOUR! Up and over! Santner continues to bowl short and on off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back in his crease and slaps it over cover for a boundary.

Short and turning in sharply into the batter, Sai Sudharsan cuts it along the ground to cover.

Short and turning in on off, Sai Sudharsan opens the bat face and tries to steer it past the keeper. The ball catches MS Dhoni on the left pad and it rolls in front of him.

Santner comes into the attack and starts with a short delivery on middle, Sai Sudharsan goes back and pulls but does not manage to get it past square leg.

On a length at 141.5 clicks and around leg stump. Sai Sudharsan stays back and pushes it down toward mid on for a single.

Around off stump, Shubman Gill comes forward and wrists it away behind square leg for one.

Back of a length outside off, this is punched away toward cover.

SIX! Wow, Shubman Gill takes full advantage of the Free Hit! Full and on leg stump, Gill clears the front leg and lofts it MS Dhoni-style. The ball goes high and handsome over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Length again, angling across off, Sai Sudharsan opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for one. Tushar Deshpande has overstepped and it will be a Free Hit for Gujarat here.

On a good length outside off, Shubman Gill edges it down to the right of short third man for a quick single.

FOUR! Glorious! On a hard length around off, Shubman Gill stands tall and just punches it off the middle of the bat through the cover region for a boundary.

Change of ends for Tushar Deshpande.

FOUR! Sai Sudharsan is off the mark with a lovely shot. Fullish length on the pads, Sudharsan simply tucks it away past square leg and the ball rolls away into the fence.

Gujarat have brought on Sai Sudharsan as the Impact Player in place of the injured Kane Williamson. Sudharsan  now walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Shivam Dube with a brilliant catch and Rajvardhan Hangargekar gets rid of Wriddhiman Saha. This is bowled on a hard length outside off and shaping away a bit. Saha comes forward and throws his hands at it. The ball flies off the outer half of the bat and goes wide of third man. Dube there sprints to his right and takes a brilliant running catch a bit low to his right. Chennai have the breakthrough and Saha departs after a breezy knock.

Length ball on middle, Shubman Gill pushes it down to mid on and gets across for a single.

Fuller and angling into leg stump, Wriddhiman Saha drives it off the inner half of the bat toward mid on for a quick single.

FOUR! Short of a length around off, Wriddhiman Saha stays put and muscles it away in front of the square on the leg side for a boundary.

WIDE! Steams in and spills this one down the leg side. Wide called and the Free Hit continues...

NO BALL! On a hard length around off, Wriddhiman Saha watchfully blocks it out. It is called a no ball for overstepping and a Free Hit will now follow.

Starts off with a ripper of a delivery! Rajvardhan Hangargekar serves a yorker-length delivery, angling into the toes. Wriddhiman Saha fails to jam it out and gets struck on the boots. There is a huge appeal from the bowler but the umpire turns it down.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar is introduced into the attack.

Back of a length, Wriddhiman Saha comes forward and heaves it through mid-wicket for one.

SIX! Smoked away! Deepak Chahar bangs this one in around off stump, Wriddhiman Saha gets on top of the bounce and swivel-pulls it well over the backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Floats this one up a bit on leg stump, Shubman Gill pushes it to the right of mid on and scampers through for yet another single.

Wriddhiman Saha looks to step out but Deepak Chahar drags the length back and bowls it a touch slower as well. Saha goes through with a pull but gets an inside edge toward short fine leg. They get a single.

Back of a length and over off stump, Shubman Gill plays a stylish pull shot down to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Pitches this one up on off and middle, Wriddhiman Saha works it away in front of mid-wicket for one.

Hard length, angling in from around off, Shubman Gill stays back to defend. 15 off the over, a good one for Gujarat.

FOUR! Sublime shot from Shubman Gill. Back of a length around off, Gill lays into the shot and short-arm jabs it through wide mid on for a boundary.

Good length again around off, Shubman Gill gets a leading edge in front of cover as he tries to flick it away.

Half a shout for LBW but there might be a bit of bat involved. This is on a good length and angled into middle and leg. Wriddhiman Saha looks to tuck iot away but misses. The ball goes off the pads toward backward point and they take a single. It is signalled as leg byes.

FOUR! Good length around middle, Wriddhiman Saha with a short-arm jab through mid-wicket and the ball races away into the fence.

SIX! Just over! Tushar Deshpande begins with a shortish delivery on the body. Wriddhiman Saha looks to pull it away but the ball is skied off the leading edge and goes over the leaping fielder at third man for a maximum.

It will be Tushar Deshpande to operate from the other end.

Ends with a dot and it is a tidy start by Deepak Chahar, giving away just 3 runs. Good length, well outside off and shaping back in. Shubman Gill looks to come forward and play at it but is well beaten.

Shubman Gill is off the mark right away! Good length around off and shaping away, Gill plays it off the outside half of the bat and the ball goes through the point region. The batters come back for two with ease.

Wriddhiman Saha and Gujarat are away! Good length outside off, inviting the batter to go after it. Saha drives it off the outer half and down to third man for a single.

This one comes back in! Deepak Chahar goes a bit wider of the crease and bowls a big insweinger into leg stump. Wriddhiman Saha looks to get forward and block but misses and gets hit on the pads.

A touch fuller and pushed outside off, swinging away. Wriddhiman Saha leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

Starts off with a length ball right on the money. This one shapes away nicely from the off stump and Wriddhiman Saha defends it down in front of cover-point.

Ends well does Joshua Little! Another slower one, on a good length and around middle. MS Dhoni waits for it and pulls it toward deep square leg for a single. Chennai finish with 178/7 on the board!

Here comes the change up! Bowls it slower and a touch fuller outside the off stump. MS Dhoni swings hard across the line but is undone by the lack of pace.

FOUR! Another one around middle and leg at over 142 clicks. MS Dhoni heaves this one in between square leg and mid-wicket and picks up a boundary. Joshua Little is under immense pressure now.

SIX! BANG! Right in the slot around middle stump, MS Dhoni hangs back and just swings across the line and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Leg bye! Very full and angled into the pads, Mitchell Santner looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off the pads toward square leg and the batters cross for a leg bye.

Bowls it a bit fuller at 141.4 clicks and angles it across the right-hander. MS Dhoni drives it firmly but straight to sweeper cover for a single.

Joshua Little (3-0-29-1) will bowl the final over.

Short again over middle, MS Dhoni plays a controlled pull shot down to deep mid-wicket for a run.

This is bowled on a good length and angled in from around the stumps. Mitchell Santner bunts it in front of mid on and picks up a single.

Short ball around off, Mitchell Santner keeps it down on the deck.

Mitchell Santner comes in at number 9.

OUT! CAUGHT! Shivam Dube has to walk back now. Mohammad Shami keeps banging it in and gets the height right this time. Dube hangs back and looks to repeat the trick from the previous delivery but gets a top edge. The ball goes up and over the square leg region. Rashid Khan charges in from the deep and takes it safely. Dube departs after a bit of a hit-and-miss knock.

SIX! Gets a hold of this one! Short again but at a comfortable height, Shivam Dube picks it up and pulls it a long, long way over the mid-wicket fence. That was a 97-meter biggie!

Straight up but lands safely yet again. Mohammad Shami bangs this one in around the body. Shivam Dube goes for the pull and gets a top edge that flies over short fine leg. The keeper Wriddhiman Saha calls for it and even puts in the dive but the ball falls just out of his reach. Yash Dayal from fine leg picks it up and keeps it down to a couple of runs.

Mohammad Shami (3-0-19-1) returns to the attack.

Nails the yorker now on off stump at 143.1 clicks, Shivam Dube just jams it past the bowler and toward mid off for one. Excellent over from Alzarri Joseph, just 4 runs and a couple of wickets off it.

Banged in short over middle and leg, MS Dhoni pulls it away through square leg and gets off the mark with a single.

Chennai skipper, MS Dhoni comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Vijay Shankar remains ice cool on the boundary rope and takes the catch. Alzarri Joseph looks to go full again and attack the legs but just misses the yorker. Ravindra Jadeja manages to clear the front leg and whips it with solid timing toward deep mid-wicket. Jadeja though doesn't get any elevation and Shankar takes it in front of his face just inside the ropes.

In the air...safe! Banged in short at the body, Shivam Dube tries to take it on but mistimes the pull. The ball goes up and in front of mid-wicket but lands well in front of the onrushing man from deep mid-wicket. Just the single then.

On a hard length at around 145 clicks, Ravindra Jadeja pulls it away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Heartbreak for Chennai and Ruturaj Gaikwad as he departs for 92. Alzarri Joseph looks for the full and straight one but ends up bowling a high full toss around middle. Gaikwad goes after it and lofts it over mid on. Shubman Gill comes racing in from long on and dives forward to take the catch. It is given out on field but the umpires want to check for the height. The replays and Ball Tracking confim that the ball is below the waist and Gaikwad has to walk back.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been caught off a high full toss but the umpires want to check the height and have taken their review. The replays show that the ball was dipping on its way to the batter and was below the waist at the point of contact with the bat.

Risky single but it is well-judged in the end. Another quicker one around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it toward cover and scampers across for the single.

Flatter delivery around off stump, pushed away to cover.

Bye! Fraction shorter and turning in from leg stump. Shivam Dube looks to step out and swing across the line but is beaten and the ball eludes the keeper as well. They get a bye.

Lucky! This is down the leg side from Rashid Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad sits down and pulls it to the right of short fine leg. Alzarri Joseph there makes a good diving stop and they get just the single.

Excellent running! Short again around middle, this is pulled away toward deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad moves into the 90s now.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Drops it a touch short and turns it into the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad picks it up and muscles it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

Rashid Khan (3-0-16-2) will bowl out now.

Back of a length around off and at 147.3 clicks. Shivam Dube stays back and slaps this one away in front of covers for yet another brace.

Shorter delivery on the body, Shivam Dube pulls it behind square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

On a hard length again and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks to stay put and thump it over the long off fence but mistimes it badly. The ball is chipped over mid off and they get a single.

Back of a length at around 147 clicks and over the stumps. Shivam Dube looks to take it on but mistimes it aerially toward mid on for a single.

A slower bumper now around leg stump, Shivam Dube looks to take it on but misses and the ball loops up off the left shoulder toward first slip.

Slower one, full and on off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad jams this one down to long on for a single.

Length delivery outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad knocks it down to long off and keeps the strike with a single.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad checks his shot and pushes it to cover for a dot.

Goes short again and directed at the batter, Shivam Dube gets cramped for room and can only work this one to deep mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR LEG BYES! Sprays onto the pads on a length, Shivam Dube tries to tickle this one towards fine leg but misses. The ball comes off his thigh pad and races away to the fine leg fence.

Back of a length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad swats this one to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Hardik bowls it short and at the batter, Shivam Dube hangs back and turns this one towards square leg for a run.

On a length and on middle and leg, Shivam Dube creates room and clips it in front of mid-wicket for another single.

Joseph bends his back and bangs it in short on middle, Shivam Dube sways away and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Short and just outside off, Shivam Dube backs away to slap this one over point but connects with thin air.

Goes full and at the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it along the ground to long off. There is a slight fumble but the batters decide to settle for a single.

Shortish delivery at the batter by Alzarri Joseph, Shivam Dube hangs back and drops this one in front of point. Calls Ruturaj Gaikwad for a single and the latter obliges.

Full and angling in on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad clips it through mid-wicket and takes a single.

Strategic break! Ruturaj Gaikwad is playing an absolute blinder here but Gujarat have done well to pick up timely wickets. Chennai do have a brisk scoring rate and a platform from where they can target 200. A lot will depend on Gaikwad and also how the lower middle order plays for Chennai. A fascinating phase of play awaits. With that said, Alzarri Joseph (1-0-18-0) is brought back into the attack.

Fuller delivery and on off, Shivam Dube can only push this one back to the bowler.

Shivam Dube comes in at number 6. Also, Kane Williamson is seen being carried back to the dressing room, very unfortunate for him.

OUT! TIMBER! Joshua Little bowls it full and honing in at the stumps, Ambati Rayudu steps out of his crease and swings his bat to go down the ground. He does not connect and sees his woodwork rattled. Joshua Little is elated to pick up the first wicket of his Indian T20 League career.

Full and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it firmly to long off for a single.

FOUR! Bowls it on a good length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad picks the lengh early and whips this one in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Kane Williamson stationed there runs to his right and leaps to keep the ball in play. He parries the ball in play before going crossing the ropes. His effort goes in vain as the ball trickles to the fence. Williamson has tweaked something in his right knee and is grimacing in pain.

Is that an exceptional stop? It just might be, but wait, Kane Williamson has landed awkwardly beyond the boundary rope and looks to be in a lot of pain. It seems from the replays that Williamson has saved the six but has hurt his right knee on the landing. The physio is having a look at him and the ball did trickle back into the ropes which means it will be a boundary and not a maximum. Hopefully, Williamson is fine.

Length delivery at the stumps, Ambati Rayudu clears his front leg and goes for a heave across the line. Gets an inside edge onto his thigh. The ball rolls to the right of Wriddhiman Saha behind the wicket for a single.

On a good length and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it off the back foot to backward point and takes a single. Little falls over in his follow through but gets back on his feet quickly.

Joshua Little (2-0-22-0) to continue...

SIX! Ambati Rayudu gets into the act now! Yash Dayal perists with the back of the hand stuff and follows the batter this time. Ambati Rayudu swipes across the line and gets plenty of bat on it. Clears the deep square leg fence with ease for a maximum.

Slower again and on a length at the stumps by Yash Dayal, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets forward and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pace on this time and on fuller outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad carves it along the ground to backward point for a dot.

SIX! Yash Dayal goes with the back of the hand slower ball and bowls it on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad spots the slower delivery and waits for it. Presents a straight bat and lofts it well over long off for a biggie.

Length ball on off stump, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and looks to hit through the line but mistimes it on the bounce to mid off.

Almost! Starts off with a very full delivery around off, Ambati Rayudu looks to get under it and loft it over mid off but mistimes it wide of Hardik Pandya at mid off. Pandya there runs across and dives to his left but can't get to the ball. They get a single.

Yash Dayal comes on to bowl now.

SIX! Dispatched by Ruturaj Gaikwad! Joshua Little bowls it slower and into the wicket on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad picks the change of pace and waits for the ball to arrive. Pulls it with disdain over the deep square leg fence for his seventh maximum of the game.

Bowls a cutter this time and on a length at the batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad makes room to go over covers but mishits it back to the bowler.

Sees the batter advance and goes short, Ambati Rayudu pulls it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

Bangs it in a bit and around leg stump, Ambati Rayudu gets across the stumps and looks to pull it toward fine leg but misses. Three dots on the trot now.

Beaten! On a good length in that channel around off, Ambati Rayudu looks to loft this one over cover but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Bowls this one fuller on off stump at 140 clicks, Ambati Rayudu stays deep in his crease and eases it toward mid off.

Joshua Little (1-0-15-0) is back on.

Googly, short and on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it to cover for a dot.

Fuller and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives it firmly to cover.

Quicker this time and at the stumps, Ambati Rayudu tries to turn this one towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge that goes wide of Rashid Khan for a single.

Follows the batter and bowls a short delivery at him, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it to backward point and takes a run.

Another googly, short and outside off, Ambati Rayudu chops this one to deep cover for a single.

Googly, short and on middle, Ambati Rayudu whips this one but does not manage to beat mid-wicket.

SIX! Ruturaj Gaikwad is putting on a show here! Short and at the batter by Alzarri Joseph, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels in his crease and pulls it well over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

Short of a length on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad steers this along the ground to short third man.

SIX! FIFTY for Ruturaj Gaikwad! Alzarri Joseph bends his back and looks to bang it in short, the ball sits up nicely for the batter and he takes a full toll. Ruturaj Gaikwad stands tall and latches onto the pull shot. Pulls it off his hips and it goes deep into the stands towards the deep backward square leg region. Raises his bat and soaks in all the applause. This has been some innings by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Good length, at 146.8 clicks and angled into the body. Ruturaj Gaikwad tentatively keeps it out on the leg side.

Back of a length at 145 clicks and outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad with a solid punch off the back foot but Rahul Tewatia makes a brilliant stop to his left at point to save the boundary.

SIX! Alzarri Joseph comes into the attack now and is greeted with a maximum by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Starts off with a length ball on the pads at 141.5 clicks. Gaikwad just whips it off his pads and deposits it over the backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Keeps it short and bowls it around leg stump, this is flicked away behind square on the leg side for one more.

Shorter one around middle, Ambati Rayudu shuffles across and works it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Ambati Rayudu comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another sharp take from Wriddhiman Saha behind the sticks and Rashid Khan has his second wicket as well. Rashid bowls it quicker and a bit shorter. It is the googly yet again and this one goes away quickly from the off stump but doesn't turn much. Ben Stokes looks to cut off the back foot but edges it and Saha grabs it with both hands. Chennai lose yet another wicket and are three down now.

FOUR! Crunched! Ben Stokes pre-meditates and shuffles across a bit. Rashid Khan smartly fires it full and outside off, Stokes seems to fall over but reaches out and slaps this one through mid off for a boundary.

Quicker one at the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad turns this one to mid-wicket for a run.

Shorter delivery on middle, Ben Stokes works this one through mid on and picks up a single.

What a miss! Bowled on a hard length over middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad simply bunts it in front of covers and looks for the single. Ben Stokes sends him back but Gaikwad looks to be in trouble. Shubman Gill picks up the ball and has plenty of time but misses the shy at the batter's end and Gaikwad wasn't even in the frame.

Full and around off, driven along the ground this time toward mid off.

SIX! Wow, Ruturaj Gaikwad is middling the ball pleasantly here. In the slot again from Hardik Pandya around off, Gaikwad simply presses forward and lofts it a long way over the long off fence to make it back-to-back maximums.

SIX! Extraordinary shot from Ruturaj Gaikwad! On a fullish length around off, Gaikwad stays put and plays a lovely lofted cover drive and the ball goes high and just over the wide long off fence as well for a maximum. The ball might have hit the spider cam and the umpires are having a look. If this is called a dead ball, Gaikwad would consider himself very unlucky. After checking from a few different angles, the six stands and Gaikwad will be happy.

Good running! Good length around middle and comes back into the left-hander. Ben Stokes nudges it down toward silly point and Ruturaj Gaikwad calls him for a quick single.

Back of a length around middle and leg, Ben Stokes hangs back and pushes it down to mid on.

Strategic break! It has been an eventful start to the opening game of the Indian T20 League, 2023. After being put in to bat first, Chennai are off to a good start despite the loss of two wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been positive in his approach and he will now look to set a solid base with the newly arrived Ben Stokes. On the other hand, Gujarat did strike early but have been unable to keep the pressure on the opposition batters. They will be relieved to see the back of Moeen Ali and will now look to squeeze in a couple of quiet overs. Hardik Pandya now brings himself back into the attack.

Full and on middle, Ben Stokes punches it to the left of mid off and gets off the mark right away with a single. At the end of the Powerplay, Chennai are 51/2!

Ben Stokes walks out to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sharp take from Wriddhiman Saha behind the sticks and Rashid Khan does eventually get his man. Rashid just shortens the length a bit and floats it around off. This is the googly and Moeen Ali looks to take it on. Ali dances down the track but is beaten in the flight and gets a feather of an outside edge as he tries to play at it. Saha manages to hold on and Chennai lose their second wicket.

FOUR! Thumped! Full and on the stumps, Moeen Ali advances and hammers it right back past the bowler for a boundary. The 50 is now up for Chennai.

Close again! This is pushed through around leg stump and this one goes straight on as well. Moeen Ali goes down to sweep but misses yet again and is rapped on the pads. Another appeal from Rashid Khan for LBW and this time the finger goes up. Moeen Ali has reviewed it though. There is nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside leg stump. The on-field decision is reversed and Ali stays on.

This is full and around leg stump, Moeen Ali skips down the track and forces it to mid off.

Close! Rashid Khan starts off with a quicker one around leg stump and this one just skids on. Moeen Ali goes down on one knee to sweep but misses and there's a stifled appeal for LBW but it is turned down. The replays show that there was a bit of glove involved.

Rashid Khan comes in to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Sees the batter back away and follows him with a length delivery, Moeen Ali clips it to deep square leg for a single. An expensive over by Mohammad Shami, 17 runs came off it.

FOUR! Shortens his length and bowls it on middle, Moeen Ali picks the length early and pulls it between mid-wicket and mid on for yet another boundary.

SIX! Crunched! Goes full this time and on off, Moeen Ali gets it in his slot and does not miss out. Thumps it over mid off and it goes all the way for a maximum.

NO BALL! Mohammad Shami loses his radar and ends up bowling a high full toss on off, Moeen Ali tries to ramp it over the keeper but does not connect. Mohammad Shami apologizes immediately and a Free Hit will follow now.

FOUR! Glorious by Moeen Ali! Shami bowls it on a good length and around off, Moeen Ali punches this one off the front foot. Gets it wide of mid off and the fast outfield does the rest.

On a good length and on off, a hint of inward movement, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes it firmly to mid on and completes another quick single.

Length delivery and outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the front foot and pushes it to cover for a dot.

Goes short this time and on off, Moeen Ali goes on the back foot and taps it to cover. 15 off Little's first over, not the start he would have wanted to his Indian T20 League career.

FOUR! Moeen Ali is underway! Length delivery again and outside off, Moeen Ali throws his hands at the ball and thrashes it through covers for his first boundary.

Back of a length and at the batter, Moeen Ali stays on the back foot and blocks this one solidly.

On a length and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it along the ground to mid off. Hardik Pandya stationed there lets the ball slip through his grasp which allows the batters to cross for a single.

FOUR! Sprays this one a length and wide outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets the width he needs and frees his arms. Slaps this one through point for a boundary.

SIX! Ruturaj Gaikwad goes huge! Joshua Little starts his spell with a short delivery on leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad swivels in his crease and latches onto the hook shot. Deposits it into the stands towards the fine leg region for a maximum, the first one of this edition as well.

Joshua Little comes into the attack now.

Short and tailing in on off by Mohammad Shami, Moeen Ali tries to ride on the bounce and punch this one but gets an inside edge. The ball goes on the bounce to short fine leg. A successful over by Mohammad Shami comes to an end.

Another one on a good-length on middle, Moeen Ali gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.

Short and going away outside off, Moeen Ali slashes hard at the delivery but connects with thin air.

Shortens his length and angles it on middle and leg, Moeen Ali hangs back and keeps it out towards mid-wicket.

Moeen Ali walks in at number 3.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Mohammad Shami strikes for Gujarat and removes Devon Conway! Serves this one on a length and at the stumps, the ball jabs back in sharply and beats Devon Conway as he went for the drive. The ball sneaks between the bat and pad and goes on to crash onto the stumps. Mohammad Shami is delighted as he picks up his 100th wicket in the competition and so are the Gujarat fans.

Shami bowls it on a good length and outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad drives away from the body and gets a thickish outside edge. The ball travels along the ground to third man for a single.

Slower this time and on a length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes for the drive but plays it a bit early. Miscues it to mid-wicket and sets off for a single. Shubman Gill gets to the ball quickly but does not manage to collect it cleanly which allows the batters to complete the run.

Good-length delivery on off, Devon Conway stays back and dabs this one in front of slip. Calls Ruturaj Gaikwad for a single and completes the run with ease.

Touch fuller and around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad plants his foot forward and clips it to mid on for a quick single.

FOUR! Pure timing by Ruturaj Gaikwad! Back of a length and on off by Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the front foot and taps this one through extra cover for yet another boundary.

Bowls it on a length and shaping in on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presses forward and defends it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Ruturaj Gaikwad welcomes Hardik Pandya with a boundary! Hardik starts on a short length and on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on his toes and whips it through mid-wicket. Yash Dayal performs the chase but the ball beats him to the fence.

Hardik Pandya to share the new ball with Mohammad Shami.

Beauty! Shami lands this one on a good length and outside off, shaping away, Devon Conway pokes at the delivery and luckily for him, he does not edge this one.

Back of a length again and on off, Devon Conway watchfully gets behind the line and blocks it down the wicket.

Back of a length and seaming in on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes this one gently towards mid on and completes a quick single.

On a good length in the channel outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays back and defends it to cover.

A stifled appeal for LBW but turned down! Shami bowls it on a length and tails in on middle, Devon Conway shuffles across to whip this one but misses. The ball catches him on the back leg and rolls to the right of Wriddhiman Saha behind the wicket for a single. Hardik Pandya isn't convinced enough and Gujarat opt not to review. A leg bye is signalled.

Shami starts with a good-length delivery, angling in on middle from 'round the wicket, Devon Conway turns this one along the ground to mid-wicket for a dot.

Done with the pre-game formalities and it is finally time to get the action underway! The umpires make their way out to the middle as the players from Gujarat take their positions on the field. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway will open the innings for Chennai. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are minutes away from the start of the game. But first, the players from both teams will line up for the Indian national anthem.

Impact players nominated by Chennai - Tushar Deshpande, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, and Nishant Sindhu.

Impact players nominated by Gujarat - Sai Sudharsan, Jayant Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Abhinav Manohar, and Srikar Bharat.

Chennai (Playing XI) - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.

Gujarat (Playing XI) - Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya (C), Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, and Alzarri Joseph.

So, Gujarat will be bowling first and the playing XIs are coming up shortly...

MS Dhoni, the skipper of Chennai, says they were looking to bowl first as well. Shares that the wicket looks good and feels that it won't change throughout the game. Adds that there was rain last night, so he isn't sure whether dew will come or not. Mentions that the preparation has been good since they assembled early. On the Impact Player rule, he says that it is a luxury to have and it is easier to use as compared to the domestic competition where it could not be used after the 14th over. Ends by informing that Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway are the four overseas players in the team.

Hardik Pandya says that they will bowl first. Adds that it's always good to play here and the crowd makes it more exciting. Mentions that everyone in the country has got motivation from MS Dhoni and is looking forward to starting the preparation against him. Adds that the boys have worked hard and they are looking to get going and mentions that he has left the preparations to the coach. Ends by saying that he doesn't have an idea about the combination but will find out shortly.

TOSS - The two captains are out in the middle. The coin toss lands in the favour of Hardik Pandya and Gujarat have opted to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is pitchside. He says that the pitch looks an absolute belter, there is a bit of grass covering but the surface isn't that hard. Mentions that it might help the pacers early on but after that, it will be good for batting, Reckons to post a good score on the board might be good enough.

Right then, the opening ceremony ends with a bang with the skippers of both teams, Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni coming on stage to unveil the glorious trophy of the Indian T20 League. The fireworks inside the stadium go off and the crowd goes wild as we are just a few minutes away from the toss which has now been delayed slightly by 10 minutes.

On the other hand, Chennai, led by MS Dhoni, are one of the most successful teams in the Indian T20 League history, having won the title four times. Devon Conway, Ben Stokes, and Moeen Ali are some of their key overseas players, while the Indian talent includes the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Deepak Chahar. Chennai did not have the best of outings in the last season and will look to start afresh in search of their fifth Indian T20 League title. This edition of the Indian T20 League promises to be bigger and better than ever, and both teams will be eager to kick off the tournament positively. Who are you backing to come out on top? Don't go anywhere as toss and team news coming up shortly.

Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, are the defending champions and will start their title defense in front of a home crowd, the stadium in which they won the coveted trophy last time around. Other than the skipper, they have Indian talent in the form of Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, and Rahul Tewatia all of whom played a vital role in the previous season. Kane Williamson, Matthew Wade, and Rashid Khan are some of the more experienced overseas players in their ranks, with more overseas players yet to join and the defending champions will be up and ready to get their title defense off to a winning start.

It is that time of the year again when cricketing fans all over the globe are glued to their screens for about 4 hours of exhilarating and world-class action. Yes, you guessed it right, the Indian T20 League is here! Things have kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that is still ongoing and has well and truly set the tone for what is to follow, and soon it will be time for cricket to take centre stage. Hello and a warm welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to our coverage of the opening game of the Indian T20 League, 2023, which sees Gujarat host Chennai at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in a fascinating encounter.

... MATCH DAY ...

Drum roll, please! Attention dear folks! It is time to fasten your seatbelts as we reach that time of the year once again when stars from across the globe descend on Indian shores for the much-anticipated Indian T20 League. The tournament has become a festival and over the coming days, we will celebrate high-quality cricket along with experiencing the thrill that comes with it. Similar to the 2022 competition, the Indian T20 League this season will see 10 teams play a total of 74 games to decide who will lift the coveted trophy at the end of the 16th edition. Two groups of five teams will be made with every team playing 14 games (7 home and 7 away) which include two games against the other teams in their group along with one game against four teams in the other group and two against a team that is picked randomly. This edition of the league promises to be much more enthralling with the return of the home-and-away format for the first time since 2019. Moreover, the introduction of Impact Player along with the teams now being able to name their playing XIs after the toss makes the games more tactical and interesting. We now focus on the opening game of the competition which sees the reigning champions host Chennai at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat side had a memorable debut season in the Indian T20 League as they defeated a strong Rajasthan outfit in the final of the 2022 tournament to clinch their maiden title. They have retained a majority of their overseas players after their success with the likes of David Miller, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, and Alzarri Joseph turning up in Gujarat colours for the second time running. Kane Williamson, Joshua Little, and Odean Smith are the three new additions to their squad completing a strong overseas contingent. They have opted to not tinker with their Indian playing unit and have retained Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, Wriddhiman Saha, Rahul Tewatia, and Vijay Shankar. They have bolstered their pace attack by recruiting Shivam Mavi in the auction to partner with Mohammad Shami which personifies how they have strengthened further with a good blend of experience and youth. They also have Alzarri Joseph and Joshua Little in their ranks to bolster their seaming options and additionally have good depth in their spin department with Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, and Rahul Tewatia. MS Dhoni finds himself back at the helm of the Chennai team after a short sabbatical from his duties last season which they would quickly like to forget as they finished 9th with just 4 wins on the board. Despite an unsuccessful campaign, Chennai opted to retain the majority of their squad. The addition of Ben Stokes has strengthened their overseas contingent which already consists of Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Dwaine Pretorius to name a few. They have always backed their homegrown players and have retained the core comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Deepak Chahar. The batting unit looks solid with attacking batters up the order joined by an experienced middle order and some of the best finishers in the business coming lower down. Deepak Chahar will return from an injury that kept him out last season and will hold the key with the new ball. The four-time champions have historically depended heavily on their spin bowlers as they fit their home conditions and the responsibility will lie on the shoulders of Maheesh Theekshana, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Ravindra Jadeja this time around. With the conditions suited for batters in Ahmedabad, we expect this opening encounter to be an absolute joy ride and there is no way in the world we could miss this exhibition! Who are you backing to win on the opening night of the 2023 Indian T20 League?