An unbeaten 36-ball 88 from Andre Russell took Kolkata Knight Riders past the 200-run mark, but the Chennai batsmen performed as a unit. Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu provided their side a strong foundation, posting 75 runs in the Powerplay. Handy contributions from the middle-order batsmen followed before Sam Billings, the No.5, struck a 23-ball 56 to help Chennai get to the target.

“It feels great to contribute to a win, any time, especially kind of putting on a show for this crowd,” said Billings, the Player of the Match. “It’s amazing – 10,000 people for a practice game, it just shows how much cricket means to people in this part of the world. To put on a performance and get a win after two years is really extra special.

“But it was a good team effort. I’m not going to point fingers and say ‘this guy didn’t bowl well’ or ‘this guy didn’t’. We just have to learn from this, and take another step, make sure we nail our yorkers and be more precise on what we’re going to bowl.”

The Windies all-rounder is on a comeback trail after serving a one-year ban for a doping violation.

Russel, 29, said that the experience had made him a better person. “I’m confident, and once you have confidence in whatever sport you play, that’s all you need,” he said.

“Self-belief. I think this one year, it has made me a different person. I’ve learned how to be humble, and stay on top of what you’re doing as a professional. I just know that these things (shouldn’t) happen again. I think I’m in good condition, wouldn’t say a 100%, but I’m happy. The ball is coming off the bat good, and I’m bowling with pace. I know in a few more games, I’ll be where I want to be.”