3 Reasons Why CSK Should Retain Devon Conway For IPL 2025
Devon Conway- (Source: @Johns/X.com)
The franchises are still awaiting BCCI's decision on the retention policy, but they have started their job of finalising the retention list. A few days ago, there were reports that the CSK management has shortlisted five players that they are looking to retain for the upcoming IPL season.
According to the RevSportz, the players that CSK are planning to keep are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Matheesha Pathirana. Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Maheesh Theekshana are the notable names who did not make this list. Meanwhile, this article will focus on three reasons why CSK should look to retain Devon Conway.
1. Solid Opening Partner With Ruturaj Gaikwad
Since Faf du Plessis left Chennai Super Kings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the fans worried over the team's opening pair as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf made a great pair and broke several records.
Nonetheless, Devon Conway did not let CSK fans miss Faf as he formed a stunning pair with Gaikwad and broke several records. In 2022, Gaikwad and Conway also broke the IPL record for the highest opening stand as they stitched an 182-run stand. CSK missed Conway at the top alongside Gaikwad in IPL 2024 after he was ruled out because of injury.
Talking about Gaikwad and Conway, they are the fourth most successful pair in CSK history. Here is the complete list.
- 1482 - Raina/Dhoni
- 1478 - ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฎ/๐๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ถ*
- 1367 - Vijay/Hussey
- 1208 - Ruturaj/Conway
- 1168 - Hussey/Raina
- 1056 - Duplessis/Raina
2. Long Term Wicket-Keeping Option
For 17 years, CSK did not have to worry about the man behind the gloves. Now, with MS Dhoni nearing the end of his career, CSK have to look for a long-term replacement for thala. Earlier, there were reports of Rishabh Pant moving to Chennai, but the reports turned fake. Thus, CSK need to look at Conway as their long-term option to keep gloves.
Further, Dhoni has also knee issues which has impacted his abilities as a keeper. Meanwhile, Conway has been a fine keeper for New Zealand as well.
3. Temperament and Ability To Adapt To Situation
Conway has featured in just two IPL seasons. In 23 matches, Conway has amassed 924 runs and averages 48.63. He is known for his temperament at the start and can pace his innings as per the requirement of the match.
Another important factor that the CSK management should keep in mind is the consistency that Conway has shown in the cash-studded league. While, he is yet to score a century in IPL, he has nine fifty-plus scores to his name.