Chennai Super Kings will take on Delhi Capitals in match 18 of the IPL 2026 on Thursday, April 9. The high-voltage contest, which starts at 7.30 PM IST, will be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Ahead of the match, here is a look at the CSK Vs DC Dream11 prediction, the fantasy cricket tips, the top player picks and the best-predicted Dream11 team today.
Hot Picks For CSK Vs DC Dream11 Team Today- IPL 2026, Match 18
Chennai Super Kings
Ayush Mhatre
Young batter Ayush Mhatre can capitalise on the powerplay field restrictions. He recently smashed a blistering 73-run knock and is a must-pick for the CSK Vs DC Dream11 prediction team.
Sarfaraz Khan
With Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad sustaining their lean patch, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as CSK's go-to batter in the middle order.
He has amassed 99 runs, including a half-century at a strike rate of 202.04. If Chennai's top order crumbles again, Sarfaraz could be a handy pick in the CSK Vs DC Dream11 team today.
Shivam Dube
Experienced Indian allrounder Shivam Dube is the backbone of Chennai's middle order. Apart from scoring crucial runs, Dube can chip in with vital breakthroughs with his medium pace.
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi is regarded as one of the wily customers with the ball. He can bowl across all three phases and has scalped five wickets in three outings. Ngidi's knack for picking wickets is the reason why he's a must-pick for the CSK Vs DC Dream11 prediction team.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai- Record of chasing teams
The pitch at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has heavily favoured the batters since the T20 World Cup 2026. The first match of the IPL 2026 season at this venue witnessed a run-fest, with both teams breaching the 200-run mark.
Statistically, the chasing teams have won 41 out of 92 IPL matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. However, as the playing conditions are expected to get better with the game's progression, the toss-winner of the CSK vs DC contest will likely opt to bowl first.
Experienced Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has managed only two runs in two IPL 2026 outings.
The Delhi Capitals captain has not been phenomenal with the ball either, scalping only two wickets in three matches. So, given his meagre returns in the tournament so far, Axar Patel could be a risky pick for the CSK vs DC Dream11 prediction team.
Khaleel Ahmed
Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has yet to pick a wicket in the IPL 2026. Considering that the Capitals have a formidable top-order comprising KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka and the in-form Sameer Rizvi, Khaleel could be a risky pick for the CSK vs DC Dream11 team today.
CSK Vs DC Differential picks- IPL 2026, Match 18
Mukesh Kumar
In Mitchell Starc's absence, Mukesh Kumar has been Delhi's most potent weapon in the powerplay in IPL 2026. The right-arm pacer has made the new ball talk, scalping three of his four wickets in the powerplay phase.
Thus, given how Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson have struggled against the moving ball, Mukesh Kumar could be a handy differential pick in the CSK vs DC Dream11 prediction team.
Jamie Overton
England allrounder Jamie Overton has been a decent performer for Chennai Super Kings, especially with the bat. Overton generally operates in the middle and death overs and hence could be a differential pick if he gets his lengths right.
Tristan Stubbs
South African batter Tristan Stubbs has been Delhi's crisis man in the IPL. The explosive batter could play a key role as a differential pick in the CSK vs DC Dream11 team today if his side loses a couple of early wickets.
CSK Vs DC Captain And Vice-captain Picks- IPL 2026, Match 18
Contests
Captain
Vice-captain
Small League Contests
KL Rahul
Ayush Mhatre
Grand League Contests
Sanju Samson
Pathum Nissanka
CSK Vs DC Dream11 prediction Team for Small Leagues- IPL 2026, Match 18
CSK vs DC Dream11 prediction team 1 [Source: CREX]
Chennai Super Kings' top order has looked vulnerable, while Delhi Capitals have several in-form batters throughout their lineup.
Considering the strengths of both teams, pick in-form players from DC for the fantasy contests. A 2-4-2-3 combination will likely be ideal for CSK Vs DC Dream11 prediction teams.