In an unprecedented move during the IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), CSK opener Devon Conway retired_ while batting on a solid 69 off 49 balls.
This tactical decision, with CSK needing 49 runs from 13 balls, marked the first time a CSK player was retired out in IPL, and only the second such instance this season—following Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Varma.
Conway becomes first CSK batter to be retired out
Conway’s IPL innings featured six boundaries and two sixes and had kept CSK in the hunt during their chase of PBKS’s formidable 220-run target. However, the decision to replace him with Ravindra Jadeja raised eyebrows, especially as CSK eventually fell short by 18 runs, finishing at 201/5.
The bold Conway retired decision sparked heated debate among cricket pundits and fans alike. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed his confusion, stating, “I didn’t understand CSK’s decision to retire Devon Conway.”
Similarly, former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla opined that the timing was off, suggesting that such a decision should have been made earlier to allow the incoming batsman more time to settle.
CSK’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad later shed light on the rationale, explaining that the team “waited and waited” for the opportune moment to make the change, aiming to optimize their chances in the high-stakes chase.
Retiring out batters a new trend in T20s
This incident underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between innovative strategies and traditional cricketing wisdom. While T20 cricket often rewards bold moves, the value of a set batsman’s momentum remains undeniable. Trusting a well-set player like CSK opener Devon Conway can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
The thrilling IPL 2025 encounter saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 18 runs. Batting first, PBKS posted an imposing 219/6, propelled by Priyansh Arya’s blistering 103 off 42 balls, featuring seven fours and nine sixes.
Shashank Singh provided valuable support with an unbeaten 52. In response, CSK managed 201/5. Devon Conway anchored the innings with 69 off 49 balls before being controversially retired out. Despite MS Dhoni’s late cameo of 27 from 12 balls, CSK fell short.
