In a high-pressure encounter in Match 22 of IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off an unorthodox and desperate tactical decision by retired-out opening batsman Devon Conway in their thrilling pursuit of Punjab Kings' huge 219/6. The Kiwi left-handed batsman, who had been holding the innings together, was recalled to the dugout on 69 off 49 deliveries in the 18th over, as CSK were still 43 runs short with the last 12 balls remaining.

Conway's send-off was not off a wicket but a tactical switch, as he became the second IPL 2025 batter to be retired out, following Mumbai Indians' Tilak Varma. The decision followed after Conway scored just a single off the 17.4 mark, and the run rate required had surged past 20 runs an over.

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Though he played a patient hand and developed partnerships through the middle, he could not gear up during the all-important death overs and so had slowed down CSK's momentum. CSK did not score a boundary for almost 20 balls, and the pressure mounted with the game escaping their grasp.

Realizing the necessity of power-hitters in the last overs, CSK brought in Ravindra Jadeja to accompany MS Dhoni, who had just rekindled hopes with consecutive sixes off Lockie Ferguson. The crowd went wild as Dhoni gave glimpses of his old self, scoring 15 off 7 at a strike rate of more than 214.

Punjab's Dominance and Arya's Blistering Ton

Earlier, Punjab Kings had scored a strong 219/6, led by a staggering 103 off 39 balls by debutant Priyansh Arya the fourth fastest IPL century. Shashank Singh's late onslaught added to PBKS's strength.

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CSK's start was good with Conway and Rachin Ravindra, but their middle overs lacked traction. Shivam Dube was caught out off a smart knuckle ball, and Ferguson's 18th over of just six runs kept the pressure on.

Though the retired-out move ignited controversy, it reflected CSK's adaptability in tight spots, even if it cost a set batter for the team's overall good. Whether it works or not, it's another innovative page in CSK's changing T20 strategy.