CSK vs DC Playing XI: Predicted Lineups, Full Team News & Impact Players - IPL 2026 Match 18
Published - 11 Apr 2026, 09:47 AM | Updated - 11 Apr 2026, 10:48 AM
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are all set to revive their rivalry in the 18th match of the ongoing IPL 2026. This article provides the probable playing XIs for the CSK vs DC clash, likely team combinations, team news, and key players to watch in Delhi.
This IPL 2026 Match 18 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) is scheduled to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 11, 2026. They have faced each other 31 times in the IPL so far, with CSK winning 19 games while DC managed to win 12 games.
CSK vs DC Team News
This is a very important game for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after facing a crushing loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their previous IPL 2026 clash. Delhi Capitals are also coming into this game following their 1-run defeat against Gujarat Titans, though they have already won two games earlier.
CSK is desperate to win their first game of this season, while DC aims to return to winning mode. Speaking about the players, David Miller is expected to return to the playing XI after a finger blow against GT. Akeal Hussain is also certain for this home game. MS Dhoni and Mitchell Starc remain unavailable for this match as both players are recovering from their respective injuries.
IPL 2026, Match 18: CSK Playing XI vs DC
Openers: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are under immense pressure after their flop show in the first three games. Delhi Capitals' bowling attack will target Gaikwad and Samson early at Chepauk. If this pair fails again, CSK’s young middle order will be under heavy pressure, so they must ensure giving a strong start to the hosts against Delhi.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj
With Dewald Brevis returning to add firepower, Sarfaraz Khan will continue to hold the innings together with his steady and strong batting. Ayush Mhatre will aim to continue his form while Shivam Dube will trouble DC’s spin attack.
All-rounder Anshul Kamboj must strongly support against DC’s strong attack of Ngidi and Kuldeep. Their performance in the middle overs will decide whether CSK can finally break their losing streak in the ongoing tournament or will face another humiliation at home.
Bowlers: Noor Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh
CSK’s bowling attack is under pressure after a poor start, with Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, and Gurjapneet Singh expected to make a strong comeback at Chepauk.
Afghanistan spinner Noor must step up in the middle overs against DC. Khaleel will aim for early breakthroughs against his former team while Hosein holds the key in the powerplay.
Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI: Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh
12th Player: Karthik Sharma
IPL 2026, Match 18: DC Playing XI vs CSK
Openers: KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka
KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka will aim to give Delhi Capitals a strong start against a struggling CSK attack at Chepauk, having regained their form. Rahul will look to anchor the innings while Nissanka brings aggressiveness. DC can dominate the powerplay and set a big platform if they settle in.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel
Delhi Capitals’ middle order looks strong and is in great form, with Rizvi, Stubbs, Miller, Rana, Nigam, and Axar having everything to exploit the tough Chennai conditions.
Stubbs and Rana will tackle spin in the middle overs, while Rizvi and Miller will handle the finishing job. Captain Axar will play a key role in this match with both bat and ball.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi
DC’s bowling attack is on the full song in the ongoing IPL 2026, with Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Lungi Ngidi forming a well-balanced and dangerous attack. Kuldeep will control the middle overs on the Chepauk pitch; Ngidi will attack with the new ball.
Mukesh will handle the death overs with his accurate yorkers. This attack is good enough to put pressure on CSK’s struggling batting lineup and give DC strong chances in this game.
Delhi Capitals Predicted XI: KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi
12th Player: Aquib Nabi
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