In a surprising move during Match 22 of the IPL 2025 Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) opener Devon Conway was retired out during a steep chase against Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS).

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The decision sparked conversation across the cricketing community especially as it marked the second such instance this season and only the fifth in IPL history.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) , Match 22 - Who Said What?

Earlier in the tournament Tilak Varma of Mumbai Indians made headlines when he was retired out against Lucknow Super Giants a move MI later clarified was due to injury concerns combined with tactical intent.

The incident occurred in the 18th over with CSK needing 49 runs off 13 balls. Despite Conway batting on a well-compiled 69 the team decided to send in Ravindra Jadeja aiming for big hits in the final stretch. With MS Dhoni already at the crease CSK were eyeing an improbable finish and felt Conway’s classical style wasn’t suited for the situation.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad clarified the thinking behind the move:

“We were two, three hits away today. Devon is more of a timer of the ball, very useful at the top of the order. Jaddu has a completely different role. You know the batsman is struggling we waited for him to get going, and when he didn’t, we made the switch,” Gaikwad explained during the post-match presentation.

However the tactical gamble didn’t yield the desired result. CSK ended their innings at 201/5 falling 18 runs short of the 220-run target.

List of IPL batters to be retired out:

R. Ashwin (RR)

Atharva Taide (PBKS)

B. Sai Sudharsan (GT)

Tilak Varma (MI)

Devon Conway (CSK)

While Conway's retirement caught attention the star of the evening was PBKS opener Priyansh Arya who smashed his maiden IPL century. The 24-year-old raced to 103 off just 42 ball reaching his hundred in just 39 deliveries the joint fourth-fastest century in IPL history tied with SRH batter Travis Head.