CSK vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2024: All-round Chennai Super Kings ease past Royal Challengers Bengaluru in season opener

Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets in the IPL opener in Chennai on Friday.

RCB recovered to 173 for six against CSK after opting to bat. Skipper Faf du Plessis (35 off 23) got his team off the blocks before the visitors collapsed to 78 for five.

Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and Dinesh Karthik (38 not out off 26) shared a 95-run stand off 50 balls for the sixth wicket to give some respectability to the total.

Mustafizur Rahman was the stand out bowler for CSK taking four wickets.

In response, CSK got home in 18.4 overs after contributions from debutant Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15), seasoned Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 19), Shivam Dube (34 not out off 28) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 not out off 17).

Brief scores: RCB 173/6 in 20 overs (Anuj Rawat 48, Dinesh Karthik 38 not out; Mustafizur Rahman 4/29). CSK 176/4 in 18.4 overs (Rachin Ravindra 37, Ajinkya Rahane 27, Shivam Dube 34 not out; Cameron Green 2/27).

15:55 (IST) Mar 22

IPL Opening Ceremony 2024

While AR Rahman and Sonu Nigam will combine to turn the evening in Chennai musical, Bollywood super star Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff will set the stage on fire with their dance moves. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm IST.

15:44 (IST) Mar 22

IPL 2024

The captains of the 10 competing teams. Notable omissions: CSK's MS Dhoni, who has handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. And Rohit Sharma, who has been replaced by Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians' skipper.

15:27 (IST) Mar 22

IPL 2024 Opening Ceremony

The glittering cast includes Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, renowned singer Sonu Nigam, and master muscic composor AR Rahman, among others.

15:26 (IST) Mar 22

Before MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli grab fans' attention on the field, Bollywood will take centerstage to entertain the fans.

15:24 (IST) Mar 22

The one-hour opening ceremony will be followed by the inaugural game between five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru

15:23 (IST) Mar 22

Before the battle between bat and ball takes over, the season will kick off with a star-studded opening ceremony at the MA Chidamabaram Stadium in Chennai

15:22 (IST) Mar 22

It's that time of the year again when the cricket fever is at its peak, and fans' allegiance shifts from country to club in a two-month window showcasing the world's best T20 league featuring the world's best players - it's the start of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League, and Timesofindia.com is once again here to bring you all the action from Game 1 to the final.