CSK vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: Chennai bat first, Auqib Nabi makes IPL debut, Brevis returns for CSK

Axar Patel wins the toss for Delhi Capitals and he opts to bowl against Chennai Super Kings. Auqib Nabi Dar makes debut for DC. CSK have plenty of changes. 

Akeal Hosein and Gurjapneet Singh are marking their line-ups. After three poor shows, CSK could rejig their Playing XI. 

Looks like two debuts for CSK. Akeal Hosein and Gurjapneet Singh mark their run-up.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) April 11, 2026

6, 28 and 7 - Ruturaj Gaikwad has also struggled and that has compounded CSK's opening issues. With Ayush Mhatre at No 3, playing well, CSK should rejig the opening. Gaikwad can play at No.3.

As often it has been with Sanju Samson, he is once again under the scanner. He has begun his Chennai days with scores of 6, 7 and 9. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said that he is not out of form and is hitting well in the practice. If that's the case, there is no better time than today to hit back. CSK need Sanju to fire at the top to take advantage of the powerplay.

MS Dhoni has missed CSK's three games with a calf injury. As the team left the hotel for Chepauk, he was nowhere to be found. However, his wife and daughter will be at the stands. In all likelihood, Dhoni will not be there as a player as he continues his recovery. 

Start the whistles 🥳💛#WhistlePodu #CSKvDC pic.twitter.com/MoVVlT2FUj

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 11, 2026

After missing three matches with a side strain, Dewald Brevis is all set to be back, barring any last-minute problems. A middle-order that has lacked intent and has struggled, Brevis's return could breathe fresh life. Chennai need a win badly to rebound. And that's where Brevis could do the trick. He can take the attack to the opponent in the middle overs. And even if he has to come in early, he can take advantage of the powerplay.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have shown promise with two wins in three games. They nearly made it three wins in a row but suffered a 1-run loss in the last game. DC have looked a balanced unit with someone taking the charge in every game. In the last game, KL Rahul scored 92, while David Miller nearly finished things off. 

In the bowling, despite the absence of Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar and T Natrarjan have risen to the occasion. Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam have also found success. At Chepauk, where the pitches have been flatter recently, Delhi will have an advantage against a struggling Chennai.

Since their title in IPL 2023, Chennai Super Kings have won just 11 matches out of 31, the least by any team. And there is no end in sight for Chennai. They have started IPL 2026 with three consecutive losses, with their batting faltering almost every game and they don’t have a bowling attack that can strike fear in the opponents. 

Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain) and Sanju Samson have been struggling. With no Dewald Brevis in the middle order, they have not found a way to bounce back from a poor powerplay. The bowling has lacked control and depth, failing to support a struggling batting line-up. They have pinned their hopes on Ayush Mhatre and Prashant Veer with the top guns misfiring. 

The Chepauk pitch has traditionally assisted spinners with slow turn and variable bounce, making it challenging for batters once the ball gets older. However, in recent IPL and T20 matches, including the T20 World Cup games, the surface has become more batting-friendly, offering even bounce and good pace early on. 

Average first-innings scores have increased from 160-170 to 180-200, with potential for higher totals if dew plays a minimal role. Fast bowlers may get early swing or seam, but spinners grow into the game. 

CSK and DC have clashed 31 times in the IPL. CSK hold a clear edge with 19 wins, while DC have secured 12 victories. CSK have historically dominated at home, but recent seasons have seen more competitive encounters. In the last two encounters, Delhi easily beat Chennai. 

• Matches: 31
• CSK wins: 19
• DC wins: 12