'Locked In With PSL, Revenge...On My Mind' - Ex-CSK Cricketer Plays In Pakistan Super League, But Heart Still Says IPL

(MENAFN- Live Mint) 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.

** Also Read** | IPL 2026: Jadeja reveals why he couldn’t speak to Dhoni ahead of RR vs CSK game

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.

** Also Read** | ‘Thank you to all loyal fans of CSK for…’ - Conway confirms Chennai exit

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.

** Also Read** | MS Dhoni set to miss first first two weeks of IPL 2026, CSK reveal the reason

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.

MENAFN01042026007365015876ID1110929113