In a match that was as emotionally charged as it was crucial, Chennai Super Kings took to the field against Mumbai Indians wearing black armbands — a silent tribute during a forgettable outing at the Wankhede Stadium. While no official statement was released by the franchise, it had been reported that the gesture was made to mourn the passing of teammate Devon Conway’s father.
Devon Conway, a key figure for CSK since joining the side in 2022, has been an integral part of their journey. Though injury kept him out of the previous season, the New Zealand batter has returned to action in 2025 and played three matches so far. His impact since joining the team includes over a thousand runs at an impressive average, marked by consistency and flair at the top of the order.
However, Sunday brought disappointment for the CSK fans as MI defeated them comfortably. CSK put up a competitive 176 for 5, buoyed by solid contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube but Mumbai Indians responded with authority, chasing the target in just 15.4 overs. Rohit Sharma, struggling for rhythm earlier in the tournament, rediscovered his touch with a commanding unbeaten 76. He found support in Suryakumar Yadav, who was equally relentless, hammering 68 not out off just 30 balls.
The result was a blow to CSK’s playoff aspirations. With just four points from eight games and a negative net run rate, they now face an uphill battle to stay alive in the tournament. A short break offers them time to regroup before facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next encounter at Chepauk.
Amid the mounting pressure, captain MS Dhoni has already begun casting an eye toward the future. While maintaining that qualifying remains a goal, he emphasized the need for stability and a strong core going forward. The evening served not only as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the IPL but also as a moment of personal sorrow and collective reflection for the Chennai squad.
