Devon Conway in action for the Chennai Super Kings. Photo: Photosport
Black Caps opener Devon Conway has become the fifth player to be "retired out" under the IPL's super sub rule, replaced late in a failed run chase for the Chennai Super Kings.
Conway was hauled back to the pavilion in the 18th over after compiling 69 off 49 balls in Chennai's 18-run loss to the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
At that stage his team needed an unlikely 49 runs to win off 13 balls.
The introduction of Ravindra Jadeja (nine not out off five balls) was no help as the Super Kings reached 201-5 in response to 219-6.
The 33-year-old Conway had helped his side make a fine start, putting on a rapid 61 for the opening stand with New Zealand team-mate Rachin Ravindra (36 off 23) but he struggled to find the boundary in the latter stages.
Devon Conway batting for the Chennai Super Kings. Photo: photosport
Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said Conway had particular strengths in the T20 game.
"He is more of a timer of the ball, very useful up the order," he said. "When you have Jaddu (Jadeja), known for that finishing role particularly, you expect that. When you know the batter is struggling… initially [Conway] was still timing it well.
"Our best batters, who can play pace very well, played up the order and had a brilliant powerplay."
Five players have been "retired out" since the IPL introduced a super sub rule in 2023.
After opening with a win, the Stephen Fleming-coached Chennai have lost four successive matches to be ninth in the 10-team league.
