'Playing for CSK has Been Special,' Devon Conway After Blistering 83 vs RCB
Conway won POTM in a cliffhanger vs RCB (AP Photo)
Chennai Super Kings opener Devon Conway was a relieved man at the post-match presentation where he was awarded the 'Player of the Match' award for his match-winning knock of 83 off 45 deliveries in a high-scoring affair against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Monday night.
Conway was magical on the night as he displayed his full range against both pace and spin on what was a typical belter of a pitch at the Chinnaswamy.
The southpaw had not lived up to billing prior to this game in the ongoing season, and he acknowledged that, while also expressing his gratitude towards MS Dhoni and the entire CSK management and fanbase for their relentless support.
Conway had a huge job to do on Monday evening as CSK lost their run-machine Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply in the powerplay.
However, the dynamic Kiwi southpaw didn't get bogged down with the responsibility, and, he, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, launched a stunning assault on the RCB bowling attack to guide the Super Kings to an eventual match-winning total of 226.
Speaking to the presenter, Conway also delved on his thought process and his planning that goes into executing such a knock in a high-pressure environment.
Here's what Devon Conway said:
"Very happy with the way things went tonight. I didn't quite hit the straps in the first few games. Good win for us as a group. My recipe is quote simple - try and play good cricket shots. When I'm under pressure, just try and react and take options that are best for me. I don't wanna be too predictable. Just using my crease to try and put bowlers off their lengths. Second year playing for CSK, it's been special. The support is phenomenal, they are loyal as well. Makes it a lot better when you have MS Dhoni in your team too. We are really grateful."
Despite Conway's knock and brilliant supporting roles from Dube and Ajinkya Rahane, plus a dream start with the ball, the Super Kings remained under the pump for a better part of their defence thanks to some very ordinary catching and an audacious display of power-hitting from Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis.
Ultimately, RCB's non-existent batting depth came back to haunt them as CSK closed in on a tense 8-run win to clinch crucial 2 points in IPL 2023.
 "Yash Mittal")
