Indian Premier League 2026 - 18th Match
CSK
0/0
vs
DC
0/0
Match starts at Apr 11, 14:00 GMT
won the toss and chose to
Commentary
Preview by Narbavi R
The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League will go down as one of CSK's worst campaigns ever. Coming into the tournament as the defending champions, they kickstarted the new season with four straight losses - a first in their history. Even though they finished joint-bottom, their performances that year were largely masked by their success on either side, in 2021 and 2023. But fast forward to 2026, they are on the brink of equalling that poor start. Given the nature of defeats and the frailties, it should come as little surprise if it indeed becomes four in a row again by the end of Saturday (April 11). This time, this poor run follows successive dull campaigns unlike in 2022.
CSK have looked woeful and are nowhere closer to being amongst the top sides this edition. The bowling attack, on expected lines, has been sub-par with Noor Ahmad also failing to recreate his heroics from 2025. But it is the batting department that has come under more scrutiny. While Sanju Samson is yet to get going in his new colours, Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't fired either. Dewald Brevis' absence has been felt and the costly young additions - Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer - are yet to make an impact. CSK have had time post that mauling at the hands of RCB to sit back and reflect on their campaign so far.
The next two games, both at Chepauk and scheduled within 72 hours could determine the fate for the rest of their campaign. While it's imperative that they win these two games to get their campaign going, they are coming up against a formidable outfit in the form of Delhi Capitals. They might have lost their last game in agonising fashion, but DC are in a better place compared to CSK. Not only do they look settled, they also have a pretty good depth in that squad.
The likes of Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel and Ashutosh Sharma haven't featured yet whereas Sameer Rizvi, who was with CSK before, has sizzled so far. After two poor scores to start the season, even KL Rahul roared back to form with an excellent 92 in the last game. Much like Punjab Kings last week, DC would also fancy their chances of winning at Chepauk again, after finally ending their losing run at this venue last season.
When: CSK vs DC, IPL 2026, April 11 at 7:30 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: Unlike Kolkata and Guwahati, there's no rain threat in this part of the India. Another batting friendly surface is anticipated.
Head to head: CSK 19 - 12 DC. In their last 8 encounters at Chepauk, DC managed to win only once and that solo victory came last season.
Team Watch
Chennai Super Kings
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Although there was optimism regarding Dewald Brevis' participation in this contest, head coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal on the South African's availability. If Brevis is indeed fit, Kartik Sharma could make way.
Tactics & Matchups: Shivam Dube is one batter in this CSK set up who has a great record against Natarajan, striking at 200. Samson and Gaikwad, still waiting for their first impactful partnership up top, will have their task cut out against Mukesh Kumar who has bowled well in the Powerplay this season.
Probable XII: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry
Delhi Capitals
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Apart from waiting for the arrival of Mitchell Starc, DC have no new concerns. However, Nitish Rana could make way for Karun Nair or Abishek Porel. The Karnataka batter was paired with Sameer Rizvi during the nets session suggesting he might get the nod.
Tactics & Matchups: Three of their primary bowlers - Natarajan, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav enjoy a favourable matchup against Sanju Samson who has struggled to get going in IPL 2026. While Nissanka has been in great form, he has to be watchful against the new ball with Matt Henry boasting a good record, dismissing him thrice in this format off just 37 balls.
Probable XII: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav,Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
Did you know:
- CSK have lost each of their last six matches at Chepauk - their home venue
- CSK's win percentage under MS Dhoni is 59.81%. The number drops to 31.42% under other captains.
- Pathum Nissanka averages 33.87 at a strike rate of 155.77 in T20 cricket post IPL 2025.
What they said:
"For a young guy, he brings experience. But he's incredibly talented, and I think sort of worked out his game at such a young age. He obviously got opportunities early, and then he dropped off as he was working out how he wanted to play. And I'm sure there's a lot of advice during that time, but he's now come out of that cycle with a real clarity as to the way he wants to play and it's aggressive, it's very skilful, and it's becoming consistent. So we value his inputs really highly, he's been a big miss since the start of the season. So if he is right for this game, he'll be a nice addition." - CSK head coach Stephen Fleming on Dewald Brevis
"Last year my collarbone was broken, not many people know it. The DC management has taken care of me in the last one year. I attended a lot of camps in Delhi, Surat and Hyderabad. They sent me to Dubai for three weeks and the specific focus was on training. I played in the DY Patil (tournament) and that gave me confidence and rhythm." - DC pacer T Natarajan on his road to recovery
The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League will go down as one of CSK's worst campaigns ever. Coming into the tournament as the defending champions, they kickstarted the new season with four straight losses - a first in their history. Even though they finished joint-bottom, their performances that year were largely masked by their success on either side, in 2021 and 2023. But fast forward to 2026, they are on the brink of equalling that poor start. Given the nature of defeats and the frailties, it should come as little surprise if it indeed becomes four in a row again by the end of Saturday (April 11). This time, this poor run follows successive dull campaigns unlike in 2022.
CSK have looked woeful and are nowhere closer to being amongst the top sides this edition. The bowling attack, on expected lines, has been sub-par with Noor Ahmad also failing to recreate his heroics from 2025. But it is the batting department that has come under more scrutiny. While Sanju Samson is yet to get going in his new colours, Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't fired either. Dewald Brevis' absence has been felt and the costly young additions - Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer - are yet to make an impact. CSK have had time post that mauling at the hands of RCB to sit back and reflect on their campaign so far.
The next two games, both at Chepauk and scheduled within 72 hours could determine the fate for the rest of their campaign. While it's imperative that they win these two games to get their campaign going, they are coming up against a formidable outfit in the form of Delhi Capitals. They might have lost their last game in agonising fashion, but DC are in a better place compared to CSK. Not only do they look settled, they also have a pretty good depth in that squad.
The likes of Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel and Ashutosh Sharma haven't featured yet whereas Sameer Rizvi, who was with CSK before, has sizzled so far. After two poor scores to start the season, even KL Rahul roared back to form with an excellent 92 in the last game. Much like Punjab Kings last week, DC would also fancy their chances of winning at Chepauk again, after finally ending their losing run at this venue last season.
When: CSK vs DC, IPL 2026, April 11 at 7:30 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: Unlike Kolkata and Guwahati, there's no rain threat in this part of the India. Another batting friendly surface is anticipated.
Head to head: CSK 19 - 12 DC. In their last 8 encounters at Chepauk, DC managed to win only once and that solo victory came last season.
Team Watch
Chennai Super Kings
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Although there was optimism regarding Dewald Brevis' participation in this contest, head coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal on the South African's availability. If Brevis is indeed fit, Kartik Sharma could make way.
Tactics & Matchups: Shivam Dube is one batter in this CSK set up who has a great record against Natarajan, striking at 200. Samson and Gaikwad, still waiting for their first impactful partnership up top, will have their task cut out against Mukesh Kumar who has bowled well in the Powerplay this season.
Probable XII: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry
Delhi Capitals
Injuries/Unavailabilities: Apart from waiting for the arrival of Mitchell Starc, DC have no new concerns. However, Nitish Rana could make way for Karun Nair or Abishek Porel. The Karnataka batter was paired with Sameer Rizvi during the nets session suggesting he might get the nod.
Tactics & Matchups: Three of their primary bowlers - Natarajan, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav enjoy a favourable matchup against Sanju Samson who has struggled to get going in IPL 2026. While Nissanka has been in great form, he has to be watchful against the new ball with Matt Henry boasting a good record, dismissing him thrice in this format off just 37 balls.
Probable XII: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav,Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
Did you know:
- CSK have lost each of their last six matches at Chepauk - their home venue
- CSK's win percentage under MS Dhoni is 59.81%. The number drops to 31.42% under other captains.
- Pathum Nissanka averages 33.87 at a strike rate of 155.77 in T20 cricket post IPL 2025.
What they said:
"For a young guy, he brings experience. But he's incredibly talented, and I think sort of worked out his game at such a young age. He obviously got opportunities early, and then he dropped off as he was working out how he wanted to play. And I'm sure there's a lot of advice during that time, but he's now come out of that cycle with a real clarity as to the way he wants to play and it's aggressive, it's very skilful, and it's becoming consistent. So we value his inputs really highly, he's been a big miss since the start of the season. So if he is right for this game, he'll be a nice addition." - CSK head coach Stephen Fleming on Dewald Brevis
"Last year my collarbone was broken, not many people know it. The DC management has taken care of me in the last one year. I attended a lot of camps in Delhi, Surat and Hyderabad. They sent me to Dubai for three weeks and the specific focus was on training. I played in the DY Patil (tournament) and that gave me confidence and rhythm." - DC pacer T Natarajan on his road to recovery
Squads:
Delhi Capitals Squad: KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi Dar, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prithvi Shaw, Tripurana Vijay, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Madhav Tiwari
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Dewald Brevis, Zakary Foulkes