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In a season where allegiances are usually defined by the jersey on one’s back, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart has proven that the ‘Yellow Fever’ is a difficult habit to break. Currently representing Islamabad United in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), the New Zealand opener found himself caught between two worlds this Tuesday. Despite being miles away in Pakistan, left handed batter’s focus remained firmly on a bruising encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his former side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals.
Ex-CSK player continues his unwavering loyalty for his franchise
Devon Conway’s journey with Chennai is the stuff of IPL folklore. Between 2022 and 2025, the South African-born Kiwi became a linchpin of the CSK top order, most notably spearheading their 2023 title charge with a staggering 672 runs and a Player of the Match performance in the final. However, the unpredictable nature of the sport saw him released after a lacklustre 2025 campaign and subsequently going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction.
Now wearing the red of Islamabad United, Conway’s maiden PSL campaign has been a mixed bag, featuring a modest 26-run debut against Multan Sultans and a frustrating washout against Peshawar Zalmi. Yet, it was the result of the CSK vs. RR clash that prompted an emotional outburst on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Conway admitted it was “hard to sit this one out,” adding that seeing the Super Kings lose ‘hurts.’ Even while “locked in” with PSL duties, his warning that “revenge at Chepauk will always be on my mind” sent CSK fans into a nostalgic frenzy, proving that once you whistle podu, you never really stop.
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
— Devon Conway (@D_Conway88) March 31, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravindra Jadeja gets emotional against his former franchise CSK; video goes viral
A tough start for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s men amidst injury woes in IPL 2026
While Conway watched from afar, the reality on the ground for Chennai Super Kings was grim. Facing the Rajasthan Royals, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side looked a shadow of their former dominant selves. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, collapsing to a meagre 127 all out. If not for a gritty 43 from Brydon Carse, the embarrassment could have been far worse. The chase was a mere formality for Rajasthan, fueled by a sensational 15-ball half-century from 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who dismantled the CSK attack to seal an eight-wicket victory.
The loss highlights a growing crisis for the five-time champions. The absence of the legendary MS Dhoni, officially ruled out for at least two weeks due to a calf injury, has left a leadership and finishing void that Sanju Samson, ironically playing against his former team and Gaikwad are struggling to fill. As CSK prepares to host the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings on April 3, the pressure is mounting. Fans are now looking toward the potential return of Dewald Brevis to provide the spark that Conway once ignited. For now, however, the Men in Yellow must find their rhythm without their iconic former opener, who remains their biggest cheerleader from across the border.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go berserk as clinical Rajasthan Royals thump Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
