Dewald Brevis’ Return Brings Hope As CSK Seeks Turnaround Against Delhi Capitals

Dewald Brevis Delhi Capitals. [Source - AFP/AP]Chennai Super Kings have been in complete disarray, losing each of their first three matches of IPL 2026 and sitting at the bottom of the table without a single point. Ahead of their crucial home clash against Delhi Capitals, the return of Dewald Brevis from injury could not have come at a better time.While CSK’s bowling has underperformed, their batters have been below par as well, averaging a dismal 20.12 in IPL 2026 so far. Brevis’ return definitely offers a major lift as since the start of 2025 only Tim David and Shimron Hetmyer have a higher T20 strike-rate than Dewald Brevis among players with 1000+ runs, with Brevis striking at 168.04 and averaging 33.14,including 225 runs for CSK at 180 strike-rate in IPL 2025.PreviewWinless CSK set to lock horns against Delhi Capitals in Match 18 of the IPL 2026 on April 11, Saturday. The enthralling contest will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will go live for fans at 7:30 PM IST.CSKIt's game 4 for CSK, and they will be desperate for a win more than anything else. Struggling in all departments, their chances have not been helped by MS Dhoni's absence with no return in sight. With a poor record at Chennai recently, they will aim to break the losing streak and secure their first win of IPL 2026. Delhi CapitalsDelhi Capitals, after a heartbreaking 1-run defeat in their last home game, will be eager to bounce back in Chennai, where they claimed their first-ever win last year after 15 years against CSK. With two wins in three games, they will be looking to build on their momentum and get back to winning ways.Players to Watch Out Sanju Samson Sanju Samson has got off to a poor start in IPL 2026 for CSK, scoring just 22 runs in three games. The worry deepens in Chennai, where he averages 11 across six IPL innings, including just a 7 earlier this season.KL RahulKL Rahul is coming on the back of a brilliant 92 off 52 and has enjoyed batting against CSK in the recent past - average of 53.8 and 148.3 strike-rate, including 4 half-centuries vs CSK since IPL 2020.Lungi NgidiLungi Ngidi has been one of the best bowlers in IPL 2026 so far with a 7.29 economy rate and 5 wickets so far. Notably, Ngidi has also been the best death bowler in IPL 2026 with 3 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.45.Also Read: Jacob Bethell Rates England Cricket Below IPLKey StatsCSK lead the head-to-head record vs Delhi Capitals by 19-12.CSK has won only 1 of the last 7 home matches in Chennai since IPL 2025. Delhi Capitals has been the second most economical bowling unit in IPL 2026 - 8.52 economy rate, 19 wickets. CSK on the other hand has been the most expensive bowling side - 11.37 economy rate, 64.22 average. CSK has the worst top-order in IPL 2026 so far - 137 runs at 15.22 average. Nobody has lost more wickets than CSK in IPL 2026 so far - 8 dismissals, 19.38 average. Sarfaraz Khan is the only positive in CSK batting in IPL 2026 so far - 65 runs, 0 dismissal and 203.12 strike-rate inside powerplay. Delhi Capitals middle-order has been the second best in IPL 2026 - 54.6 average, 149.18 strike-rate. CSK spinners are yet to take any wicket in IPL 2026 - 3 innings, 11.15 economy rate, 0 wickets. Nitish Rana has 3 half-centuries in last 4 innings at Chennai since 2020. Kuldeep Yadav has been very poor vs CSK - 4 wickets, 60 average and 42 strike-rate. CSK batters have been the worst against spinners in IPL 2026 - 16 average (worst), 116.66 strike-rate. Possible Changes Dewald Brevis Set for Direct Return Dewald Brevis is set to walk straight back into the CSK playing XI if fit for the clash against Delhi Capitals. One of Kartik Sharma or Prashant Veer is likely to make way, paving the return for the South African youngster. Nitish Rana Out? Nitish Rana has had a poor start for Delhi Capitals this season, managing just 20 runs in three games. A reshuffle in DC playing XI could see Sameer Rizvi promoted to No. 3, with Ashutosh Sharma as finisher, while young Sahil Parakh at 3 remains another option. What to Expect? In this match, Delhi Capitals will definitely start more confidently and as favorites. While CSK's batting has the firepower to challenge, their bowling remains a concern. The team chasing will have a distinct advantage, especially CSK, who have won only 1 of their last 8 games defending a total.Also Read: Ishan Kishan To Drop ₹13 Crore Liam Livingstone? SRH Strongest XI vs PBKS for IPL 2026 Match 17