Chennai Super Kings can find their feel quickly in Pune

Chennai v Rajasthan
Sky Sports Cricket, 3.30pm Friday

Chennai’s return to the Indian Premier League has been far from smooth, with security issues forcing their home games to be switched to Pune.

The Super Kings tackle Rajasthan Royals in their first match at their new base and they can take solace from some decent early displays on the field.

They chased down 169 to beat Mumbai in the season opener, having appeared down and out at 118-8, and nailed a target of 203 to beat Kolkata.

A hobbling MS Dhoni smashed 79 not out as Chennai fell four runs short of another amazing chase against Kings XI last time out and they look solid favourites to see off Rajasthan.

The Royals suffered a rare defeat in Jaipur on Wednesday, when they were thumped by Kolkata, and their batting is inconsistent with scores of 125-9 and 217-4 among their first four matches of the season.

The sun looks set to shine on a full coupon of matches in the
two divisions of the County Championship (11am start) and Hampshire are worth an interest at 11-10 draw no bet away to Surrey.

Surrey, under new captain Rory Burns, have international openers in England’s Mark Stoneman and South Africa’s Dean Elgar but their bowling is depleted by the absence of Tom Curran, who is on IPL duty, and Morne Morkel, who lacks match fitness.

Hampshire were handsome winners over Worcestershire in the opening week of the season and could continue their fast start at The Oval.

Recommendations
Chennai Super Kings
2pts 3-4 Betfair
Hampshire
1pt 11-10 general