Delhi Capitals (DC) will play Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 18th match of IPL 2026. On Saturday, April 11 the match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
CSK has been ranked last on the table in the 2025 season, and the current season is not off to a good start as the five times champions have three losses out of three games. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals, after winning their first two matches, let the game slip from their hands as they lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) by one run in their third outing.
Among the two sides, CSK are desperate for a win, and another defeat will make things difficult for them in their quest to reach the playoffs. Some players at CSK have not been able to make an impact in the three games thus far and in that regard, here we discuss three changes that the Super Kings could think of during the match against the Capitals at IPL 2026.
1. Dewald Brevis for Kartik Sharma
Proteas batter Dewald Brevis has indicated he has overcome his side strain, and is set to play his first game of the 2026 season against the Delhi Capitals, in a major boost to the Chennai Super Kings. Brevis had impressed CSK in the 2025 season with 225 runs in an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 180.00 with two fifties.
The 22-year-old might replace the already unsuccessful signing by CSK of Kartik Sharma ( ₹14.20 crore ), who has been scoring only 25 runs in three matches with an average of 8.33 and strike rate of 119.04.
2. Akeal Hosein in place of Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad of Afghanistan was the best bowler in the 2025 season of CSK, but also the second-highest wicket-taker, with 24 scalps in 14 matches. But in the current version the left-arm wrist spinner has been struggling, not taking a single wicket in three matches and with an economy of 11.10.
The hosts might want to look into importing West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein to substitute Noor. Hosein might work with the new ball against two right-handed Delhi openers, in the shapes of KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka.
Although the 32-year-old has only played one match in the IPL, he offers a lot of experience of 93 wickets in 96 T20Is and can prove himself in case he gets a chance and also provides a useful running down the order.
3. Shreyas Gopal over Matt Henry
The Super Kings can also think of luring in leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal to enhance their spin attack. In 52 matches, the 32 year old has 52 IPL wickets at an average of 25.94, strike rate of 19.0 with an economy of 8.16 and his best figures being 4/16.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Gopal could emerge as a potential replacement for Matt Henry in the XI, especially since the team already features seamers like Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, and Jamie Overton.
Furthermore, Henry has struggled to make an impact this season, managing just two wickets in three matches. As a result, his average of 65.00, strike rate of 30.0, and a high economy of 13.00 highlight his lack of effectiveness.
