The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a major reset ahead of IPL 2026, and that includes parting ways with their New Zealand batting pair, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Both were expected to be long-term top-order players and were considered ‘traditional CSK signings’, but an underwhelming 2025 campaign has pushed the management elsewhere.
Conway, signed for 6.25 crore, managed only 156 runs at a strike rate of 131.09. Ravindra, brought back via the RTM card for 4 crore, scored 191 runs at 128.18. Their collective struggle reflected CSK’s biggest batting issue last season. The team finished last and rarely kept up with opposition sides who regularly posted totals above 220. CSK crossed 200 only twice across the tournament.
The opening combinations lacked anything but fire as CSK ended with the lowest powerplay strike rate of 137.50. They were also the least productive side in the first six overs, scoring only 693 runs and losing 29 wickets. The season average of 49 for 2 inside the powerplay summed up their awful batting approach and Conway and Rachin were part of it.
Backing youth as CSK reshape the top order
The decision to release Conway and Ravindra means CSK is interested in investing in the younger batters they introduced late last season. Dewald Brevis is expected to play a massive role, while Indian youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel are being lined up for regular opportunities in 2026. With Sanju Samson now obiously coming in, the CSK batting order looks far more dangerous now.
Conway leaves having played for CSK since 2022, highlighted by a superb 2023 season where he scored 672 runs at a strike rate near 140. Ravindra exits after two seasons that showcased glimpses of his explosiveness. His 2024 strike rate of 160.86 stood well above his T20 career numbers.
The departures also come on the back of CSK’s blockbuster trade that sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Sanju Samson. Jadeja had been a pillar of the franchise for over a decade, making this one of the biggest moves in CSK’s history.
CSK’s likely releases for IPL 2026:
Ravindra Jadeja (trade), Sam Curran (trade), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, R Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Mukesh Choudhary
CSK squad for IPL 2025
MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Dewald Brevis, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, and Shreyas Gopal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Gurjapneet Singh
Editor's Pick
Cricket
India squad for T20 World Cup: Shubman Gill's form big concern, Rinku vs Washi likely
Top Stories
