Devon Conway, the New Zealand cricketer, expressed his joy at playing a pivotal role in the Chennai Super Kings’ victory over the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, calling it the “greatest win” of his career. However, his statement received criticism from fans back home who believed that Conway’s participation in New Zealand’s triumph over India in the ICC World Test Championship final should hold more significance. In response to the backlash, Conway clarified that while the IPL win was his greatest achievement in the T20 format, he still considered the Test Championship victory as very special.
Conway initially stated that the IPL final win was the greatest in his career, emphasizing the significance of the high-pressure IPL final. He credited fellow left-handed player Mike Hussey, who is a coach for the Chennai Super Kings, for his contribution to the team’s success.
However, in an interview with RNZ, Conway acknowledged that while the IPL victory was his best in the T20 format, he considered the Test Championship win with New Zealand as a highly cherished achievement. He clarified that his earlier statement referred specifically to T20 victories.
Conway went on to describe the experience of winning the IPL title with the Chennai Super Kings as a great one. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play a few matches in the previous season, which helped him understand the pressure and expectations associated with the tournament. Conway acknowledged the team’s support, particularly their decision to back him as an opening batsman throughout the campaign, which enabled him to perform consistently and build momentum.
During the IPL 2023, Conway emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, accumulating 672 runs in 16 matches with an average of over 50 and a strike rate of nearly 140.
Overall, Conway clarified that while he considered the IPL victory as his best in the T20 format, the Test Championship win held a special place in his heart. His performance in the IPL showcased his batting prowess and ability to handle pressure, contributing significantly to Chennai Super Kings’ success in the tournament.
