Shivam Dube To Be Dropped? CSK Strongest XI vs DC- IPL 2026, Match 48

CSK in IPL 2026. Image Credits: AP

For match no. 48 of the IPL 2026 season, CSK will be up against DC on Tuesday, April 5. The match will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi at 7:30 PM IST.

CSK are coming off a commanding victory over the Mumbai Indians in their last fixture. Chasing a 160-run target, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a half-century while Kartik Sharma also stepped up with 54 off 40 balls.

Chennai chased down the total in 18.1 overs to win their second game against arch-rivals MI in this IPL season.

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals got an important wicket against the Rajasthan Royals in their last fixture. Chasing 226 runs, Pathum Nissanka (62) and KL Rahul (75) stitched a 110-run opening partnership.

Nitish Rana and Ashutosh Sharma made some vital contributions to guide DC to a successful victory with 5 balls to spare.

With winning momentum in hand, both CSK and DC will come out all guns blazing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the pitch is expected to suit batters more.

Ahead of the game, let’s see what CSK’s strongest XI will be for their upcoming clash against DC.

CSK Playing XI vs DC - IPL 2026, Match 48

Top Order - Sanju Samson, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel

Since losing Ayush Mhatre to injury, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been opening for CSK. While Samson has thrived in the role, Gaikwad is slowly regaining his form, which is an excellent sign for CSK.

These two openers have the ability to turn the game single-handedly into Chennai’s favour. At no. 3, the Super Kings gave an opportunity to Urvil Patel, and he scored 24 off 12 balls in the last game. For now, Patel will be backed for more exposure.

Hence, CSK’s top order is unlikely to be changed for their upcoming clash against DC.

Also Read - Kartik Sharma Brings MS Dhoni's Iconic Gun Celebration After Special Feat vs MI

Middle Order - Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer

In the middle order, Dewald Brevis is the key for CSK. He can hit at a brisk pace, and if set, Brevis can take the game deep and score big. Kartik Sharma, who scored a half-century in the last game, will follow him at no. 5.

He should be trusted above Dube, as the youngster needs more time at the crease to settle himself.

Shivam Dube and Prashant will serve as finishers for CSK. Dube is known for hitting big sixes, while Prashant, who is an all-rounder, can also score crucial runs in the death overs.

Hence, even in the middle order of the CSK Playing XI vs DC, they are unlikely to alter the winning combination. It’s important to note that MS Dhoni has not travelled with the team to Delhi, meaning he is still not fit to play.

Bowlers - Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary

For spin duties in the CSK Playing XI vs DC, Noor Ahmad will lead CSK, as he has been fairly successful in this IPL 2026 season, and Prashant Veer will support him from the other end as a secondary spinner.

As for fast bowlers, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Choudhary will lead the charge. Kamboj is the joint-most wicket-taker of the season at 17 wickets and is very much competing for the purple cap.

CSK will make a forced change for this game, as Ramakrishna Ghosh got a fracture against MI and has been ruled out of the season. Hence, for an impact player, CSK may opt for Gurjapneet Singh.

CSK Playing XI vs DC - Sanju Samson, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary