It started drizzling in the afternoon and the rain subsequently grew heavy, first delaying toss and then holding up play.

Once the umpires realised the ground could not be ready for action by the cut-off time, they deferred the game to its reserve day.

Gujarat, led by India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, are aiming to be the first IPL franchise to win the league twice in their first two attempts.

Chennai are bidding to equal Mumbai Indians’ record of five IPL titles in what could be skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s last match in charge of the squad.

Dhoni’s Chennai team mate Ambati Rayudu confirmed on Twitter the final would be his last outing in the world’s richest T20 competition.