As the Indian Premier League 2014 shifts to India following a brief rendezvous in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chennai Super Kings will look forward to maintain their winning streak to reach the top of the points table.

Currently, Kings XI Punjab sits on the top of the table with 10 points from five outings, while Chennai is in the second slot with 8 points from an equal number of games.

The first IPL 7 match in India will see Chennai clashing with Kolkata Knight Riders at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday. The match will start at 10.30 a.m. EDT (2.30 p.m. GMT) and can be watched live on GoCricket.com and SkyCricket.net.

Despite having a dismal start after losing their opening game against Punjab, Chennai has sorted out things and dealt crushing defeats to Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the subsequent games.

On the other hand, Kolkata began their campaign this season with a bang defeating defending champions Mumbai by five wickets in the inaugural match of IPL 7 and also defeated formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore by two wickets. However, Kolkata lost their other three matches this season against Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Punjab, displaying enough inconsistency.

Both the opening batsmen of Chennai are in form, as Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith have not only faced more than 50 percent of the deliveries in every match, but also scored nearly half the runs on the board. A good start by the opening pair has helped the middle order, including skipper Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina to build a strong innings. In fact, all eyes will be on Dhoni, who is alone capable of turning any match. However, the team's main worry is its star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is yet to strike form.

On the other hand, the best thing for Kolkata is that their skipper Gautam Gambhir is showing signs of returning to form after three successive ducks in the first three matches. While their batsmen are still a concern for the team, Kolkata will be relying heavily on veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis and their mystical spinner Sunil Narine.

As the match is being played in Ranchi, Dhoni's home town, Chennai will enjoy the support of the spectators, despite the game being declared as the home match for Kolkata.