IPL 2023: "It Was Great To Be Backed By MS Dhoni" - Devon Conway Speaks On His IPL 2023 Journey

Last Update on: June 2nd, 2023 at 05:28 pm

Following his victorious return to New Zealand after clinching the IPL title with the Chennai Super Kings, Devon Conway has shared his thoughts on the successful campaign.

In a rain-affected final against the Gujarat Titans, which spilled over to the reserve day, Devon Conway delivered a Player of the Match performance by scoring 47 runs off 25 balls.

The inclement weather persisted in Ahmedabad, resulting in a revised target of 171 runs off 15 overs for CSK under the DLS method. Led by the former Indian captain MS Dhoni, the Super Kings emerged victorious by five wickets.

Having finished ninth in the previous season, Devon Conway expressed his delight at the team’s resurgence in 2023 and the support he received.

“I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to open the batting throughout the season and be backed by Stephen Fleming and captain MS Dhoni, It was a proud moment for me to elevate my game and express myself in the IPL.” Conway shared with SENZ Mornings.

Also Read: IPL 2023: “It Was Special On His Part” – Ambati Rayudu Speaks On Lifting The Trophy Alongside MS Dhoni And Ravindra Jadeja

Conway acknowledged that he had limited experience playing T20 cricket at the highest level and encountered a few learning curves in his batting approach, particularly against deliveries targeting the body.

“Every T20 game presents different scenarios and situations. Learning how to tackle these different moments of the game has been invaluable, leaning on the experience of the senior players to improve and progress,” Conway explained.

MS Dhoni Is Immensely Popular In India: Devon Conway

While Devon Conway has occasionally taken on wicketkeeping duties while representing the Blackcaps, he relied on his captain’s experience to keep wickets in the IPL.

Although he did not get the opportunity to showcase his wicketkeeping skills this season, Conway described his time in India as an eye-opening experience.

“He (Dhoni) is immensely popular in India, almost worshipped there. The support and adoration he receives from the fans is incredible. Every away game felt like a home game because of the supporters who traveled to cheer for MS Dhoni,” Conway added.

While Devon Conway and his teammates appreciated the fans’ support for the team, they acknowledged that the devoted followers primarily turned up to show their unwavering loyalty to the captain.

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It was a unique and unfamiliar world for Conway, who realized that Dhoni’s fame limited his ability to venture outside the hotel freely. At the helm of the Chennai Super Kings is Stephen Fleming, one of New Zealand’s greatest cricket captains. Fleming, who has enjoyed successful careers as a cricket commentator and coach, has been the head coach of CSK for a very long time.

“He commands the players’ respect. The way he manages the team, fosters a positive culture, and maintains good relationships with MS and the franchise owners is crucial. Having his support is highly beneficial for us as individuals and as a collective unit,” Conway acknowledged.

Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: Ruturaj Gaikwad Has A Great Future When It Comes To Indian Cricket” – Wasim Akram Lavishes Huge Praise On CSK Opener

Under Fleming’s guidance, CSK have achieved significant success. With the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in India later this year, Devon Conway believes that playing on the same grounds that are likely to feature in the tournament has provided valuable insights into the varying playing conditions.

“In Chennai and Lucknow, the surfaces were more conducive to spin, so you might consider having three spinners in the squad. However, if you played in Bangalore or one of the Mumbai venues, the conditions would be more favorable for the batters,” Conway shared, highlighting the importance of adaptability.

As Devon Conway returns to international duties with the New Zealand team, he will carry the experience and lessons learned from his IPL journey, aiming to contribute to his side’s success in the upcoming ODI World Cup.