IPL 2026: CSK vs DC Prediction, Match 18- Who Will Win Today?

CSK vs DC Match Predictions [Source: AP]

The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings will face the Delhi Capitals in Match 18 of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on April 11, at 7:30 PM (IST).

Having played three matches, CSK sit at the bottom of the points table after losing key players to injuries ahead of the tournament. However, to their respite, Dewald Brevis is likely to return to action to provide a boost to an inexperienced middle order. So far, Sarfaraz Khan and Anshul Kamboj have been their top performers in respective departments.

DC have started IPL 2026 on a high under Axar Patel, only dropping one of their three matches, which was by only one run against GT in a final-ball thriller. They have a good net run rate and sit fourth on the table. Sameer Rizvi and Lungi Ngidi have been their best players with bat and ball, respectively, so far in IPL 2026.

As the two teams clash for the 32nd time in IPL history, we take a look at the match predictions below.

CSK vs DC current form (last 5 matches)

CSK vs DC player battles

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mukesh Kumar

Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled to find form in IPL 2026, with two powerplay dismissals to right-arm quicks in three matches. Mukesh Kumar, who can replicate how Jacob Duffy troubled Gaikwad’s outside edge with the new ball after picking four wickets in three innings so far in the tournament. An early dismissal could set the tone for the innings for an in-form DC.

KL Rahul vs Khaleel Ahmed

KL Rahul is coming to Chennai after a match-defining effort of 92 (52) in the previous match against GT, after two single-digit scores. He was troubled in the powerplay of their first two IPL 2026 matches and has previously been dismissed by Khaleel Ahmed, who controls the new ball well.

Khaleel is the only left-arm pacer who has dismissed Rahul in IPL, and it would be interesting how they fare against each other.

Dewald Brevis vs Lungi Ngidi

Dewald Brevis, who is likely to return to the playing XI against DC, is CSK’s x-factor middle and death overs batter. He will have the onus to turn the momentum of CSK’s campaign with a blistering start. However, his national teammate, Lungi Ngidi, is in the form of his life with the pace and length variations he has developed for the same phase of play.

Previously, Brevis has faced Ngidi twice, facing 2 balls and scoring 1 run. Ngidi had caught Brevis LBW on the first ball that he bowled to him in IPL 2025 and derailed CSK’s run-chase against RCB.

CSK vs DC top performers (current squad members)

Most runs for CSK vs DC

Former CSK skipper, MS Dhoni, has scored 696 runs in 29 innings at a strike rate of 142.04 and an average of 38.66. He has three fifties to his name against the opposition.

Most wickets for CSK vs DC

From the current squad members, Khaleel Ahmed has picked up two wickets in a solitary appearance against DC at an economy rate of 6.25 runs per over. Lungi Ngidi, who previously played for CSK and is now with DC, picked 3 wickets in two innings against DC in 2018 at an economy rate of 5.71 runs per over.

Most runs for DC vs CSK

Opener Prithvi Shaw has scored 321 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 151.41 against CSK ahead of IPL 2026. He has three fifties and a high score of 72 against the opposition.

Most wickets for DC vs CSK

DC captain Axar Patel has picked 8 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 6.70 runs per over against CSK. His best figures read 2/18.

Also Read: MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis Cleared To Play IPL 2026

CSK vs DC toss prediction

The Chepauk Stadium has produced some of the belters in recent times, leading to high-scoring matches. So far in IPL 2026, one match has been played at the venue, where CSK’s 209 was chased down comfortably by the Punjab Kings. Hence, the team winning the toss would prefer chasing the target here.

CSK vs DC 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay – 75/1

Final score – 224/7

CSK vs DC 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay – 80/0

Final score – 225/4

CSK vs DC top players prediction

CSK top players' prediction

Probable best batters

Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis

Probable best bowlers

Khaleel Ahmed, Jamie Overton

DC top players prediction

Probable best batters

KL Rahul, Sameer Rizvi

Probable best bowlers

Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan

Who will hit the most sixes in CSK vs DC IPL 2026, Match 18?

Ayush Mhatre

Who will score the most fours in CSK vs DC IPL 2026, Match 18?

KL Rahul

CSK vs DC match winner prediction: Who will win IPL 2026, Match 18?

CSK and DC find themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum currently, considering their forms and results. DC have found its best combination early in the season, while a young CSK is still looking to find solutions to some major concerns. Considering all factors, it is highly likely that CSK will lose their fourth match of IPL 2026 on the trot.

Also Read: Nitish Rana Out; Will Auqib Nabi Play? DC's Strongest XI For IPL 2026 Match 18 Vs CSK