Struggling Chennai Super Kings are facing the hosts Lucknow Super Giants in the 30th match of the IPL 2025 on Monday evening (April 14), where the CSK captain MS Dhoni confirmed two changes in the squad. While Ravichandran Ashwin and Devon Conway are missing from the game, here we are going through the reason for Conway's absence in the game. 

Although the five-time IPL champions CSK won their season opener by four wickets against Mumbai Indians, they suffered five consecutive defeats, as they are sitting at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. In their seventh match of the tournament, captain MS Dhoni chose to bowl first and confirmed that Sheik Rashid and Jamie Overton replaced Devon Conway and Ravichandran Ashwin. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Mayank Yadav all set to return to Lucknow Super Giants after recovering from Injury

Devon Conway criticised for slow batting

New Zealand cricketer Devon Conway has played three matches in the ongoing season. After scoring 13 off 14 balls against Delhi Capitals, Conway scored a fighting 69 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings in the unsuccessful chase of 220 runs. Opener scored 12 off 11 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in their last game, as he has been criticised for his slow starts. 

So, in the crucial away match against LSG, CSK have decided to drop Conway in the search for an alternate opening option, while the 20-year-old Sheik Rashid has made his IPL debut. It will be interesting to see how the new opening combination works for CSK, as the opening partnership has crossed the 20-run mark only once this season. 

Why is Ravichandran Ashwin not playing?

Meanwhile, English bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has replaced Ravichandran Ashwin, which is another tactical change. As Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) helps the pacers better, while the spinners generally struggle, and CSK already have the strong spin-bowling options of Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Rachin Ravindra, Ashwin was unlucky to sit on the bench for a pace-bowling all-rounder option.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has raised questions about the growing use of the ‘retired out’ tactic in the IPL, saying it seems more like an act of frustration than a smart move. He made these remarks after Chennai Super Kings retired out opener Devon Conway during their match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday in IPL 2025.

Devon Conway was batting well and had scored 69 runs off 49 balls, but he walked off in the 18th over as CSK chased a big target of 220. Ravindra Jadeja came in with 49 runs still needed from just 13 balls. The plan didn’t work, and CSK lost the match by 18 runs. This wasn’t the first time this season a team tried this. Earlier, Mumbai Indians retired out Tilak Varma during a game against Lucknow Super Giants and they ended up losing too.

Teams using retired out option more out of frustration. it is a tactic that rarely works as there are very few batters who can hit a 6 on first ball they face. Most times it is the struggling batsman on crease who has a better chance of winning the game. Remember Tewatia, he hit…

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 9, 2025

ALSO READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals (RCB vs DC): Match 24, IPL 2025, Match Preview

Kaif shared his thoughts on twitter, saying, “Teams are using the retired out option more out of frustration. It rarely works because very few players can hit a six on the first ball they face. Often, even a struggling batter who’s already set might have a better chance. Remember Tewatia? He had scored only 8 from 19 balls, but then smashed 5 sixes in one over.” Kaif’s comments have once again started a debate on whether the retired out tactic is a clever strategy or just a desperate move when things aren’t going well.

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.

ALSO SEE: Top 5 fastest centuries in history of IPL

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.

New Zealand cricketer Devon Conway, who has played all Indian Premier League matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), became the 100th batter to record 1000 IPL runs. With this milestone, Conway entered a prestigious record book. 

On Tuesday night (April 8), Punjab Kings hosted Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 match at Mullanpur. After PBKS chose to bat first, they scored 219/6 in 20 overs. While most of the Punjab Kings batters were struggling, the 24-year-old opener Priyansh Arya stunned with his 42-ball 103 runs, while middle-order batters Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) added valuable runs. 

In reply, despite CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway providing a strong start in the powerplay, with a 61-run partnership in 6.3 overs for the first wicket, CSK lost the match by 18 runs as they managed to score 201/5 in 20 overs.

See Also: Devon Conway retired out in an intense run chase against Punjab Kings

Devon Conway completed 1000 IPL runs in 24 innings

Although the CSK opener Devon Conway was struggling lately, which forced him to retire out, he scored 69 off 49 balls with six fours and two sixes. During that innings, Conway reached the 1000 IPL runs milestone, which the left-handed batter took 24 innings to complete. At the end of the innings, Conway has scored 1006 runs in 24 IPL innings with an average of 47.90 and a strike rate of 140.30, including 10 half-centuries. 

Devon Conway: 3rd fastest batter to reach 1000 IPL runs milestone

Conway became the third fastest batter to complete 1000 IPL runs. Only the Aussie cricketer Shaun Marsh (21 innings) and the Caribbean cricketer Lendl Simmons (23 innings) reached the 1000 IPL runs milestone faster than the New Zealand cricketer. 

Fastest to complete 1000 IPL runs

South African-born Kiwi batter Devon Conway is all set to be excluded from the third Test between New Zealand and England scheduled to take place in Hamilton on 14 December. The opener will stay in Wellington where his side suffered a brutal 323-run drubbing in the second Test and will remain with his family to see the birth of his newborn child. 

See also: Adelaide Test, Day 3: Australia bounce back in the series with 10-wicket win

Mark Chapman comes in as his replacement

Ahead of the third and final Test, New Zealand have roped in Auckland Aces batter Mark Chapman. The 30-year-old holds a healthy batting average of 46.14 in FC cricket with seven centuries under his belt. Champan is yet to make an appearance for New Zealand in the longest format.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead was in full support of Conway and expects him to make the most of his quality time with his family on this auspicious occasion. Moreover, he also heaped praise on Champan who has been in the midst of a remarkable run in the ongoing Plunket Shield tournament. 

"Family comes first in this environment and we're all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child. Mark was with the Test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 - so it's a good time for him to be joining us."

An opportunity for Will Young to return to the fore

It came as a surprise to many when the New Zealand squad was announced prior to the Test series. The omission of Young who averaged nearly 49 and was adjudged Player of the Series in New Zealand's historic Test series win over India raised quite a few eyebrows.

Unfortunately, he had to make way for Williamson who fully regained his fitness right before the start of the home Test series. He made a resounding impact upon his return becoming the leading run scorer for his side with 195 runs to his name at an average of 48.75. New Zealand have already surrendered to England in this series by a margin of 0-2. The Black Caps will have one last chance to salvage their lost pride in the upcoming Hamilton Test which is expected to commence later this week. 

Chennai Super Kings is one such franchise that has enhanced the fame and definition of the Indian Premier League. Being a five-time champions side helmed under the captain cool, MS Dhoni, the Super Kings are prominent for the gameplay and their humongous fanbase. But, they had a forgettable 2024 stint, as they had closely missed qualifying for the playoffs, citing significant issues regarding players' inconsistency and the injury of leading campaigners.

But, with the Mega Auction coming ahead, the Yellove army will get a chance to restructure their team and plan for the long term, as a few of them from the roster will likely play their last in the times ahead. Based on the released retention list and voids present on the side, here is a list of the five players that Chennai Super Kings should try for in the coming 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant should be on the team's player acquisition plans' significant target list. The primary reason behind this would be evident amongst several cricket fanatics. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni possibly playing his last IPL after his cornerstone contributions to the cricketing world, Chennai Super Kings would be eager to acquire the services of an emerging wicketkeeper batter.

Since his IPL inception, Pant has been part of Delhi Capitals for over seven editions, implying his pivotal impact creation for his roster. But, with him parting ways from his career shuttler, it will be intriguing to see if Rishabh Pant would be a part of a team with his idol. After making a stellar comeback from a life-threatening injury, he has made 446 runs in 13 matches, averaging over 41. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the cornerstones of the Indian spinners ecosystem. But, before making a mark on the International cricket space, Ashwin was a part of the Yellow squad since its inception. He evolved as one of the best spinmeisters across all game formats, especially in the red-ball format.

Though Ashwin has played for four teams, Rajasthan Royals being the recent one, his consistency and intent must be the major USP. Also, with his recent dominance as one of the best bowlers in test cricket, the local boy wouldn't mind returning to the side that has given him all. The Super Kings will target to have an experienced spinner, and he can prove to be their best option. In the previous edition, he had scalped nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of eight. 

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar would be one of the players under the Super Kings auction management's auction radar, thanks to his impeccable performance in their recent whitewash campaign by New Zealand, where his spinning efforts went in vain. Many fanatics would vividly remember his batting contributions in the nick of time during the previous 2022 Border-Gavasker Trophy down under.

Sundar, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, was not retained by his franchise and will be auctioned off. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good. With the side requiring a long-term emerging spinner, Sundar can cater to those needs, and his local roots act as the cherry on top. In 2024, he didn't get a chance to display his calibre and scalped just one wicket in two appearances. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Best Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Devon Conway

Devon Conway is seen to be one of the players that the five-time winners may exercise their Right-to-Match (RTM) option or pay big for in the mega auction. The group is recognised for its stability and consistency and has placed a high faith level in its overseas players, with Devon Conway has maintained that tradition.

He missed the IPL 2024 season with a thumb injury, and his absence contributed to the franchise's failure to qualify for the playoffs. The Southern side should be eager to get him back into the auction. In his memorable 2023 stint, he has made a colossal 672 runs in 16 matches, averaging over 49.

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra is currently one of the intriguing and emerging stars in world cricket, and he's mainly performed brilliantly in the Indian sub-continent, with his recent performance in the clean sweep India test series and the 2023 World Cup.

A calm demeanour, 24 years of age, a match-winner with the bat, and a handy spinner – all elements of Rachin Ravindra are perfect for the team to acquire him for long-term purposes. Though he had a shaky start in his first IPL appearance, his calibre signifies promise, which the Chennai Super Kings highly need. In 2024, he has made just 220 runs in ten matches, but it will be a terrain of a task for the side as many sides are willing to bid for him in the forthcoming Mega Auction.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League (IPL), face a significant setback as star batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the IPL 2024 due to a thumb injury. Conway, a pivotal player for CSK in the last two seasons, leaves big shoes to fill.

Devon Conway’s IPL Journey

In his tenure with CSK, Devon Conway played 23 matches, amassing a total of 924 runs which included 9 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 92. His performance in IPL 2023 was particularly noteworthy, scoring 672 runs and proving instrumental in many of CSK’s victories.

See Also: Watch: When Rohit Sharma ‘meets’ 20-year-old version of himself, the video goes viral

Conway’s thumb injury, sustained just before the IPL 2024 season, poses challenges for the team’s batting lineup. Known for his reliability and explosive batting, Conway’s absence is a blow to the team’s strategy.

Introduction of Richard Gleeson

To fill the void, CSK has signed Richard Gleeson, an English pacer with a promising T20 record. Gleeson, who has played 90 T20s and taken 101 wickets, joins CSK at his reserve price of INR 50 Lac. His experience in T20 Internationals, although limited to 6 matches, has been impactful with 9 wickets.

IPL MEDIA ADVISORY

Devon Conway ruled out TATA IPL 2024 due to an injury, Chennai Super Kings add Richard Gleeson to the squad

Conway, who represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the course of the last two IPL seasons, played 23 matches and scored 924 runs, which included 9 half-centuries and a highest score of 92*.

CSK have added Richard Gleeson to the squad for the remainder of the TATA IPL 2024. Gleeson has represented England in 6 T20Is and has 9 wickets against his name. Additionally, Gleeson has played 90 T20s and picked 101 T20 wickets. He will join CSK for his reserve price of INR 50 Lac.

CSK’s Strategy Moving Forward

With the addition of Gleeson, CSK seems to be pivoting towards strengthening their bowling attack while they recalibrate their batting strategy without Conway. Gleeson’s aggressive bowling could bring a new dynamic to the team.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a notable setback as their key batsman, Devon Conway, is ruled out due to a thumb injury incurred during a T20I series against Australia.The injury, incurred while wicketkeeping during the second T20I, has necessitated surgery and a projected recovery period of at least eight weeks. As a result, Conway is expected to miss a substantial portion of the IPL season, dealing a blow to CSK’s campaign.

Conway’s absence will be keenly felt by CSK, considering his stellar performances in the previous IPL edition. With an impressive tally of 672 runs in 16 matches, including six half-centuries, Conway played a pivotal role in CSK’s title-winning campaign. His impactful innings, notably a quickfire 47 in the final, earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his status as one of CSK’s key players.

Conway’s Absence: A Test of Depth for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024

The injury-enforced absence of Conway has prompted CSK to reassess their batting lineup and seek alternatives for the crucial position vacated by the New Zealand batsman. While CSK boasts depth in their squad, Conway’s consistent contributions and match-winning capabilities will be challenging to replace, posing a significant test for the team’s management and coaching staff.

SEE ALSO: Gujarat Titans player under observation following bike accident

CSK’s campaign in IPL 2024 begins against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 in Chennai, marking the start of their title defense without the services of Conway. As they embark on their quest for another championship, CSK will rely on collective team effort and strategic adjustments to compensate for the absence of their influential batsman and sustain their competitive edge throughout the tournament.

CSK shelled out 16 Crores on Ben Stokes, who has been left on the sidelines due to Devon Conway’s consistency at the top.

Last Season, Devon Conway did start the season, but was in mainly because Moeen Ali was out of the first game due to some Visa Issues. He did make a return in the latter half of the tournament, and impressed with his game against spin instantly. He formed a good rapport with Gaikwad in his brief period at the top, but still could not be seen as a certain starter in 2023 with Ben Stokes in the Roster.

In Ben Stokes, CSK had a player who could offer a lot. They had a stable batter, bowler, and a future captaincy option as well.

Starting as a specialist batter though, Ben Stokes suffered a toe injury, leaving him out of the side, and by the time he came back there was no space left for him.

With Conway’s consistency, Ali’s spin in Chepauk, and Pathirana excelling in the death, Ben Stokes continued to warm the bench.

What has Conway done though to keep one of the best players in the World out of the side. He hasn’t played much Cricket in India, but he has shown quickly that he knows how to understand and adapt to conditions quickly.

Now, in his first full season, Devon Conway leads the run scoring charts for CSK, and has channeled his inner Mike Hussey at the top. At Chepauk, in particular, running between the wickets and finding the gaps is a very important skill. Mike Hussey had the ability to do the same with ease and now Devon Conway, with an incredible strike-rate against spin has shown that he can pierce gaps and push fielders with ease. With a minimum of 120 balls faced against spin, he is only behind Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar on strike-rate against spin.

Another similarity with Hussey has been his use of the sweep and reverse sweep. This has been an aspect in which Devon Conway has consistently been improving. Even before the IPL, when New Zealand toured India, Devon Conway consistently managed to sweep and reverse sweep Kuldeep Yadav, while occasionally throwing Yadav off his length with trips down the ground. The sweeps though are not his only option. He has shown, in the first game against the Knight Riders that he can pump the ball down the ground as well, an approach which just gets the job done.

His game against spin has been on the rise, and he has done some unconventional training methods to get where he is. With a variety of shots, and with a lot of strike-rotation he knows how to get on the bowlers nerves and despite playing with a seemingly lower-strike rate, Devon Conway does make the task easier.

His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad is a key example. While Conway has been on the slower side, his ability to rotate strike has allowed Gaikwad to take on the bowlers effectively as well. The difference can be seen in the sixes he has hit this season, which higher in number than his usual count.

Against pace to, Devon Conway has done well to take the attack to the bowlers. He did not hesitate to go after the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer, and has been an absolute sponge at the top. With his form, CSK fans are being kept happy as they found another opener to fill the Hussey hole. At first they had Faf Du Plessis, come in and fill the Hussey sized hole, and when Faf Du Plessis was not bought back the fans were a touch heartbroken. Devon Conway though has more than filled the void and is doing an incredible job with his consistency at the top of the order.

29th Match, IPL: Chennai Super Kings 138 for 3 (Conway 77, Gaikwad 35, Markande 2-23) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 134 for 7 (Abhishek 34, Ravindra Jadeja 3-22, Akash 1-17) by seven wickets

On a slow, gripping pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings were able to chip away at the target of 135 against Sunrisers Hyderabad thanks to Devon Conway’s third half-century in a row. After a promising start, Sunrisers’ momentum was halted earlier by Ravindra Jadeja, who took three wickets and bowled eight overs for only 4 for 49 with Maheesh Theekshana.

The visitors had three spinners on their side, including Impact Sub Mayank Dagar’s left-arm spin. However, despite the fact that Dagar, Washington Sundar, and Mayank Markande were economical and even took two wickets, they didn’t really bother the batters of the opposition. As a result, Super Kings remain third in the points table with the seven-wicket victory, but only on net run rate, equal to Royals and Super Giants in points.

Ravindra Jadeja turns it CSK’s way

After Sunrisers had scored 34 runs in the first four overs thanks to Harry Brook, Jadeja was brought in in the eighth over. After that, Theekshana and Moeen each scored ten runs. His first over went for seven, and next finished, Moeen went for eight; Sunrisers were 70 for 1 after nine overs.

After the timeout, the match switched tracks; It appeared as though the track itself had become rough. There were some deliveries that didn’t turn. Some people managed to hold onto the pitch, while others came on higher than expected. Abhishek Sharma was playing for the turn when Jadeja got the second ball after the break, which bounced nicely. Be that as it may, he pulled and found long-on as the ball just continued straight subsequent to pitching. After briefly shining, an innings of 34 came to an end.

Then, at that point, second bundle of the twelfth over, Jadeja bowled full and outside off to Rahul Tripathi, who attempted to bring it for a trudge clear yet top-edged to short fine leg. Tripathi fell for a run-a-ball 21 that time, and it appeared as though the ball had stopped before entering the game. Mayank Agarwal was downgraded to No. 2 as if that weren’t enough. 6 skipped out to Jadeja in the fourteenth over after losing his patience. He was stumped by MS Dhoni, and Sunrisers’ drop from 71 for 1 to 95 for 5 changed the match.

Conway motors along

Conway found the limit multiple times off the initial ten balls he confronted, lobbing, excoriating and punching away at the ball. However, he was on 18 off 19 deliveries when Super Lords were at 37 without any misfortune after five overs. That is when Marco Jansen sought some treatment: Ruturaj Gaikwad took a solitary to begin the 6th once again, and Conway went 4, 4, 6, 4, 4.

The shots were all varied: The ramp was the first thing; then, at that point, came the scoop; a fortunate, top-edged pull followed, and a deft touch past the wicketkeeper later, Conway finished the over by bisecting the short third and the point defenders. All of that was necessary for Sunrisers to implement spin, but it was too late. In the tenth over, Conway scored fifty off 33 balls and went unbeaten on 77, including 12 fours and a six.

Sunrisers’ experiment backfires

Abhishek and Mayank Agarwal served as the openers for Sunrisers, with Brook in the middle order; Abhishek wasn’t there for the next match. After that, they realized Brook and Agarwal can open together, and Abhishek came back, this time in the middle of the lineup. They stayed with that once again, prior to pushing Abhishek back and Agarwal down to No. 6 versus the Super Kings.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Although Sunrisers would take heart from Abhishek’s effort at the top, Agarwal left for his third single-digit score in six innings. Sunrisers, on the other hand, are in ninth place, just one game from the halfway point. When they bat first, they have been limited to less than 135 two out of three times, and when they chase, they haven’t always been competitive either. Something has to work. Soon.