The Chennai Super Kings’ strategy at the IPL 2026 auction has triggered visible frustration among their loyal fan base, particularly over the decision to let go of trusted New Zealand stars Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Both players, who had previously worn the yellow jersey with distinction, surprisingly went unsold despite having a base price of just ₹2 crore.

Ahead of the auction, CSK released several big names, including Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, a move that already raised eyebrows. However, fans still believed the franchise would attempt to bring at least one of them back, especially Ravindra, who is widely regarded as a future all-round star. When their names came up in the auction, expectations were high, but CSK chose not to bid. Shockingly, no other franchise stepped in either, and both players ended up in the unsold list.

Shortly after going unsold, Conway shared a brief but graceful message on social media:

Thank you @IPL & @ChennaiIPL https://t.co/REoGIeyUJS

— Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) December 16, 2025

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CSK’s auction decisions have left fans disappointed and questioning the team’s strategy

The decision appeared even more puzzling considering CSK’s aggressive pursuit of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. The five-time champions were reportedly ready to spend up to ₹25 crore for Green and went into a bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders before eventually backing out at ₹25.20 crore. This contrast sparked outrage among fans online, many of whom questioned why a team willing to stretch its purse so far hesitated to spend ₹2 crore on proven performers who already fit into the CSK system.

Devon Conway’s case hurt fans the most. The New Zealand opener was one of CSK’s most consistent batters in recent seasons. He enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign, scoring 672 runs and playing a key role in CSK’s title-winning run, including a crucial knock in the final. Although his form dipped in IPL 2025 after returning from injury, his overall record for the franchise - 1,080 runs in 29 matches at an average of 43.20 - speaks for itself.

For many CSK fans, the episode feels like a break from the franchise’s long-held “family” culture. Whether it proves to be a calculated gamble or a costly emotional misstep will only be known when IPL 2026 unfolds.