Chennai Super Kings look set to let go of New Zealand left-handers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra before next month’s IPL 2026 auction. Conway cost the franchise INR 6.25 crore at the 2024 sale, while Ravindra returned on a right-to-match card for INR 4 crore. Expectations were high; returns in IPL 2025 were not. CSK finished bottom with four wins, Conway managing 156 runs at a strike rate of 131, Ravindra 191 runs at 128.
Inside the club, the feeling is that resources are better spent on younger batters brought in late last season. Dewald Brevis, still only 22, caught the eye in patches. Uncapped Indians Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel have also impressed in nets and second-team games; all three are understood to be in line for extended roles.
Conway has worn yellow since 2022, peaking with 672 runs at almost 140 in the title-winning 2023 campaign. Ravindra joined in 2024, striking at 161 – well above his career T20 rate of 140 – yet neither could replicate that impact in a difficult 2025.
The impending clear-out means CSK will have released three overseas players from last season’s list. Alongside the New Zealand duo, Sam Curran has already been traded, while senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja moves the other way to Rajasthan Royals.
Chennai’s decision feels ruthless, but after a wooden-spoon year the management believe a reset is overdue. Whether the faith in Brevis and the two young Indians pays off will become clear only once the 2026 campaign gets going.
