New Zealand batter Devon Conway has officially confirmed his departure from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 Retentions, marking the end of a memorable three-year stint with the franchise. The decision comes as part of CSK’s sweeping restructuring effort following a disappointing last-place finish in IPL 2025.

Conway, who played a pivotal role in CSK’s IPL 2023 title triumph with a remarkable 672 runs, struggled to replicate that form in IPL 2025, where he managed only 156 runs in six innings at an average of 26, coupled with fitness concerns that limited his availability.

Devon Conway shares emotional goodbye message for CSK fans

Confirming his exit, Conway took to social media to express his heartfelt gratitude to the franchise and its fanbase.

“Thank you to all loyal fans of CSK for amazing 3 years support @ChennaiIPL,” tweeted Conway.

During his tenure, Conway became a fan favourite not only for his consistency but also for his calm, composed on-field presence. His contributions during the 2023 championship run, including six fifties, remain among the highlights of CSK’s modern era.

CSK’s revamp strategy focuses on youth and power-hitting

CSK’s decision to release Conway forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild the squad with younger, explosive talent. The emergence of uncapped Indian players like Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel, along with South Africa’s power-hitter Dewald Brevishas reshaped the franchise’s vision for the future.

After their worst-ever season in 2025, the franchise has prioritised a long-term restructuring model, looking for aggressive batters who can adapt to evolving T20 dynamics and bring renewed energy to the squad.

Conway’s release opens valuable purse space for CSK ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Conway’s exit also frees up significant purse value for CSK, giving them greater flexibility at the IPL 2026 auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With the team eyeing multiple new signings and having already released several senior players, this financial room could prove crucial in landing high-impact recruits.

Franchise analysts believe that while Conway’s release will disappoint many fans, the decision is “strategic, necessary, and aligned with CSK’s long-term goals” given the team’s recent downturn.