Last Updated on 4 hours ago by Charbel Coorey

Even at this early stage, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are almost in must-win territory. They’ve lost their first three games, and they’ve lost them very badly. They are at the bottom of the points table with a very poor net run rate (-2.517). Bowling is their biggest concern, while the form of two of their best batters – Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad – is another big issue. 

Samson is yet to score in double digits after three games, while Ruturaj has looked completely short of confidence. Sarfaraz Khan has been the biggest positive, while Prashant Veer showed promising signs, despite the comments of S Badrinath.

Kartik Sharma has shown slight glimpses of his potential, and they’ll hope that he gets some runs very soon. Jamie Overton has batted well, while Shivam Dube will have to show some consistency going forward in the tournament. The key is Samson and Gaikwad batting long enough to ensure Dube comes in against spin in the middle overs.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals lost their last game by one run against the Gujarat Titans. But KL Rahul (92 runs) scoring big after a couple of bad games and David Miller (41* runs) also scoring runs will be a good sign for DC going forward. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly after Miller denied a single off the second-last ball against GT, which ultimately proved costly.

Tristan Stubbs and Pathum Nissanka have also looked in decent touch, while Sameer Rizvi has started the season superbly despite his duck in the last match.

Mukesh Kumar has bowled well for DC in the last two games, while Kuldeep Yadav too has chipped in with wickets. Skipper Axar Patel’s form will be of some concern to the Capitals. Lungi Ngidi, in his current form, will be a key bowler for them in this game against CSK.

IPL 2026 18th Match: CSK vs DC Possible Playing XIIs

Bowling is a big concern for the Super Kings. Expect a few changes in their lineup in this game, but still players like Noor Ahmad and Matt Henry (if selected) must step up if CSK are to do well.

Dewald Brevis is a chance of playing, but coach Stephen Fleming didn’t confirm ahead of the match, according to cricbuzz.

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 2. Sanju Samson (wk), 3. Ayush Mhatre, 4. Sarfaraz Khan, 5. Dewald Brevis/Kartik Sharma, 6. Shivam Dube, 7. Prashant Veer, 8. Jamie Overton, 9. Noor Ahmad, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Anshul Kamboj, 12. Matt Henry/Akeal Hosein

Delhi Capitals may bring in one of Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel, or even Ashutosh Sharma for the struggling Nitish Rana.

Delhi Capitals: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Nitish Rana/Karun Nair, 4. Sameer Rizvi, 5. Axar Patel, 6. David Miller, 7. Tristan Stubbs, 8. Vipraj Nigam, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mukesh Kumar, 11. Lungi Ngidi  12. T Natarajan

MA Chidambaram Stadium Chepauk Chennai Pitch Report and Weather

A good batting track with little to no help for the bowlers is expected for this game. There might be some assistance for the pacers with the new ball and the spinners can exploit the big side of the venue, but overall the batters will dictate the game.

In the last game played here, only 10 wickets fell in 20 overs, and Punjab chased down 209 runs quite easily. Expect scores in the range of 180-200+ in this game and teams will prefer chasing.

A hot and humid day is expected in Chennai with no chance of rain. The weather will be clear with the temperature being around 28-29 degrees Celsius and 70-80% humidity. 

Insights that could decide how the CSK vs DC match will transpire

Below are some interesting insights that could decide this contest, according to SPODA AI data.

• CSK have fared pretty well in the powerplay across their last five matches at Chepauk, scoring 84, 71, 51, 82 and 71 in this period.
• DC have taken a total of 11 wickets in the powerplay in their last five matches at Chepauk.
• Ayush Mhatre is considered the likeliest player to make a 30+ score (60% probability). Ruturaj Gaikwad (49.37%) and KL Rahul (49.27%) are also considered a good chance.
• Khaleel Ahmed has a 39.19% probability of taking 2+ wickets. Kuldeep Yadav has a lower chance (29.59%) according to predictive analysis.

For more such information, check out SPODA AI below, where you can even ask a question.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for CSK vs DC: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

• Sanju Samson has a decent record against DC: 293 runs in 11 innings with 2 fifties, strike rate of 148.70 at an average of 36.60. But his record at Chepauk – 66 runs in 6 innings, averaging 11 – makes it difficult to pick him in fantasy cricket alongside his current form. But Sanju will be a must in your fantasy teams, as a big knock should be around the corner from him.
• KL Rahul loves batting against CSK. He has 6 fifties against them in 15 innings. Rahul has scored 630 runs at an average of 45 at a strike rate of 142.90. He will be a top C/VC pick.

Key batter picks: 

• Ruturaj Gaikwad averages 27 for his 243 runs at a strike rate of 129.30 against the Delhi Capitals. Gaikwad will be itching to do well and lead from the front. You can back him in your fantasy teams for this game.
• Sarfaraz Khan has been the best batter for CSK till now in IPL 2026 (99 runs at a strike rate of 202), but he has failed to convert the starts, especially in the powerplay, into big scores.
• Ayush Mhatre is a key player for the Super Kings at 3. He scores big when he gets going and can take on the bowlers on his day. Mhatre scored 73 against Punjab, but his scores in the other two games are 1 and 0. Despite that, he’ll be a top fantasy pick. 
• Dewald Brevis is expected to bat at 5 for CSK. He is amongst the most destructive batters on his day. Brevis will look to take on the spinners and he can score big if he succeeds in doing that. He’ll be a must pick and a top C/VC choice. 

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Shivam Dube averages just 18.80 against DC in 9 innings for his 169 runs. He bowled two overs in the last game. Dube will be a key batter for CSK against Delhi’s spin attack. He’s been in good form lately and will be someone you can’t miss out on in fantasy cricket.
• Jamie Overton picked up one wicket and scored a quickfire 37 in the last game. He can hit the deck hard and bowled at nearly 150 km/h in the last game. Overton will fetch points from both bat and ball, making him an ideal fantasy pick.

Key bowler picks: 

• Noor Ahmad has been far from his usual self in the first three games this season. But he’s CSK’s main bowler in the middle overs and can trouble Delhi’s middle order. 
• Khaleel Ahmed has 10 wickets against DC in 6 innings at an economy of 8.63, and his bowling strike rate is 13.70. He can move the new ball both ways and can trouble Nissanka and Nitish Rana in this match CSK manages to pick up early wickets.

For predictive analysis that could help guide you in creating your fantasy cricket teams, check out SPODA AI (AI Cricket Prediction & Match Analysis Tool) below. If you sign up, you will receive 3 FREE match passes to start.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

• Anshul Kamboj
• Kuldeep Yadav 
• Axar Patel
• Akeal Hosein (if plays)
• Lungi Ngidi

Other Matchups and Facts 

• CSK leads the head-to-head record by 19-12 against Delhi Capitals. 
• Sanju Samson vs Axar Patel (T20s): 70 runs, 2 dismissals in 63 deliveries.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad vs T Natarajan (T20s): 42 runs, 3 dismissals in 30 deliveries.
• David Miller vs Noor Ahmad (T20s): 20 runs, 3 dismissals in 37 deliveries.

IPL 2026 18th Match: CSK vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today

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IPL 2026 18th Match: CSK vs DC Match Prediction: Who will win?

At the moment, the Delhi Capitals will start as the favourites based on their current form and bowling quality and CSK’s current form.

But, expect a good fight from CSK in this game. If Brevis returns and one of their top 3 can score big, then they’ll be in for a fight if they are disciplined with the ball. 

Chennai Super Kings to win.

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