New Zealand Openers Set To Part Ways With CSK Ahead of 2026 Retention List
New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are set to leave Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2026 IPL auction. CSK bought Conway for ₹6.25 crore at last year’s auction, while the team retained Ravindra for ₹4.25 crore using the right-to-match card.
Devon Conway will not be part of the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, ending his three-year journey with the team. The New Zealand opener joined CSK in 2022 and became a fan favourite because of his calm batting style and consistent performances. But after CSK’s poor season in 2025, the team is planning major changes. Reports say that Rachin Ravindra may also leave the franchise.
CSK bought Conway for ₹6.25 crore at last year’s auction, while the team kept Ravindra for ₹4.25 crore using the right-to-match card.
Also Read -List of confirmed player trade before IPL 2026 retention window
What Conway & Rachin Did for CSK
Conway’s form dropped sharply in 2025 after he missed the 2024 season. He was one of CSK’s best batters in 2023, scoring 672 runs in 15 innings at an average of 51.69. But after returning in 2025, he could not repeat that success. He scored only 156 runs in six innings, averaging 26 with a strike rate of 131.09. Since CSK spent ₹6.25 crore on him in the mega auction, the team expected more stability at the top. His poor form hurt CSK’s start and affected their season.
In 2022, Conway scored 252 runs in seven innings at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 145.66. His best season was 2023, when he became the league’s third-highest run-scorer and played a key role in the final against the Gujarat Titans, scoring 47 off 25 balls. Across three seasons, he made 1,080 runs in 29 matches, averaging 43.20 with a strike rate of 139.72.
Rachin Ravindra joined CSK in 2024 and scored 413 runs in 18 innings with a strike rate of 143.60. He hit two fifties but often failed to convert good starts into big scores.
CSK’s Auction Plan
Conway’s exit is part of a big rebuild planned by CSK for the 2026 season. Reports say several players — including Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton — may also be released.
The biggest move is the major trade: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have joined Rajasthan Royals, while India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has moved to CSK.
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