Why Ruturaj-Conway Opening Partnership Gives CSK The Best Chance To Win Against DC

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @JD_Trolls2/x.com]

As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Delhi Capitals in their upcoming IPL 2025 clash, a strategic batting order adjustment could dramatically improve their chances of success. With CSK currently experimenting with Rahul Tripathi and Rachin Ravindra as openers, bringing Devon Conway back to his natural opening position alongside Gaikwad—while shifting Rachin to number four and demoting Rahul Tripathi at three—could be the game-changing move.

Historic Dominance Against Delhi

The Gaikwad-Conway partnership has proven particularly devastating against Delhi Capitals. In IPL 2023, they produced their most spectacular partnership against DC—a commanding 141-run stand at a strike rate of 163.95. Conway himself scored 97 runs against Delhi at a strike rate of 142.65, demonstrating his ability to dismantle their bowling attack. This historical advantage cannot be overlooked when planning the optimal lineup.

Proven Partnership Success

Despite Rachin's solid performance (106 runs across three matches), the statistics overwhelmingly favour the Gaikwad-Conway combination:

• 849 partnership runs across 15 innings (average 56.60 per stand)
• Exceptional powerplay dominance (619 runs at a run rate of 8.86)
• Seven substantial partnerships including two century stands

This level of consistency and run-production at the top would provide the perfect platform for CSK's middle order to capitalize.

Optimizing the Batting Order

Shifting Rachin to number four actually optimizes the entire batting order. With his ability to play spin Rachin would provide stability in the middle overs when spinners typically operate. Meanwhile, keeping Rahul Tripathi at three provides the perfect bridge between the opening partnership and middle order.

This restructured top four creates a left-right combination throughout the batting order (Conway-Gaikwad, Tripathi-Rachin), preventing Delhi's bowlers from settling into a rhythm and forcing constant field adjustments.

Counter to Delhi's Bowling Strategy

Conway's technical expertise against spin bowling directly counters Delhi's primary weapon—Kuldeep Yadav. The Gaikwad-Conway partnership provides a balanced approach against both pace and spin, addressing specific weaknesses in CSK's current batting strategy.

As CSK seeks to improve on their form, reinstating the proven Gaikwad-Conway opening combination—while optimizing the batting order with Tripathi at three and Rachin at four—presents their best opportunity to overcome Delhi Capitals and reignite their IPL 2025 campaign.