‘Locked in with PSL, revenge…on my mind’ - Ex-CSK cricketer plays in Pakistan Super League, but heart still says IPL
Devon Conway played three seasons (2022, 2023 and 2025) for CSK in IPL, accumulating 1080 runs in 29 matches. The highlight of Conway's IPL career came in 2023 when he scored 672 runs to play a part in CSK's title win. He is currently playing for Islamabad United in PSL 2026.
New Zealand international Devon Conway might be playing for Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), but his heart still says Indian Premier League (IPL) after watching his former side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) surrender to Rajasthan Royals a couple of days before. Conway, who spent three seasons at CSK (2022, 2023 & 2025), was released by the five-time champions after his dry spell with the bat at the top of the order.
After going unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, Conway signed for Islamabad United for his maiden PSL stint. He has so far played just a solitary match in PSL, scoring 26 runs. Conway's comment came on Tuesday, a day after the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side fell struggled against Rajasthan Royals.
Sent into bat first, CSK lost wickets at regular intervals from the start, to be nine down with just 94 runs on board. It was Bydon Carse's 43 that helped CSK to 127 all out. In reply, Rajasthan Royals rode on a 17-ball 52 from Vaibhav Suryavanshi to romp home with eight wickets in hand.
Taking to X, Conway stated watching CSK lose against Rajasthan Royals "hurts". “Hard to sit this one out… Watching CSK lose to Rajasthan Royals hurts. Right now I’m locked in with PSL duties, but revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind #WhistlePodu,” said the Kiwi international.
What was Devon Conway's performance in CSK?
Conway made his IPL debut with CSK in 2022, scoring 252 runs in seven matches, with a best of 87. Things changed for better in the 2023 season for Conway and CSK. Opening the innings, Conway accumulated 672 runs at a strike rate of 139.70 in 16 games. He not just finished as CSK top run-getter in 2023 but also played a huge part in leading them to the title. In fact, Conway was the Man of the Match in the final against Gujarat Titans.
However, Conway missed the 2024 season due to injury. He lost form in 2025 before being released. Conway's PSL debut didn't go as he would have liked. Opening the innings with Sameer Minhas, Conway scored just 26 runs with the help of three fours and a six before being caught by Mohammad Wasim Jr off the bowling of Multan Sultans' Australian speedster Peter Siddle. However, Islamabad United lost the game.
Islamabad United's second game in PSL 2026 against Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi was washed out at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
What's next for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026?
After the opening round loss, CSK return to their den as they host Punjab Kings on April 3 at the M Chidambaram Stadium. It will be interesting to see if Dewald Brevis, who had missed out in the first match due to injury, returns to the playing XI against the Shreyas Iyer-led side who beat Gujarat Titans.
It must be noted that, CSK are already missing the services of MS Dhoni, who has been officially ruled out for two weeks due to a calf injury.
About the Author
Koushik lives and breathes sports. After transitioning from his own aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, he successfully channeled that lifelong passion into a prolific career, documenting the action both from the sidelines and the editorial desk. With over eight years of industry experience, Koushik joined LiveMint as a Deputy Chief Content Producer in 2024, following impactful stints at Outlook India, India.com, Sportskeeda, Women’s CricZone, and OrissaPOST. A 2017 Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Kolkata, Koushik has reported on high-profile events including the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, Ranji Trophy, FIH Pro League, FIH World League finals, the Indian Premier League, and Lionel Messi’s historic visit to Kolkata in 2025. <br><br> While he possesses a versatile command over all sports, he finds his niche in cricket, specializing in breaking news, long-form interviews, global sporting updates, and high-energy live blogs. Koushik’s professional perspective was further sharpened through the 2020 AIPS Young Reporters Programme, where he gained invaluable insights from renowned international journalists, including Keir Radnedge and Riccardo Romani from the United Kingdom, and Martin Mazur from Argentina. Currently based between Kolkata and Delhi, Koushik remains at the forefront of the breaking developments that shape the public sporting discourse. When he isn't tracking scores or deconstructing plays, he can be found exploring new landscapes on his travels or channeling his creative energy into the kitchen. <br><br> If you have a compelling story to share or know an individual who deserves the spotlight, please reach out via email at <a href="koushik.paul@htdigital.in">koushik.paul@htdigital.in</a>.
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