“I didn’t understand that decision” - Michael Clarke on CSK’s decision to retire out Devon Conway vs PBKS

Former Australian captain and commentator Michael Clarke has spoken about the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) decision to retire out Devon Conway, the opening batter, who was on 69 in the dying moments of the chase.

Clarke stated it was very difficult for him to understand CSK’s decision as Conway can hit sixes as he was a well-settled batter compared to Ravindra Jadeja, who came in for Conway in the death overs.

"I didn't understand that decision. You retired a player who was 69 and had spent that much time in the middle. I know you need sixes, but it's not like Conway can't hit sixes. That's the thing with decisions like that, as a captain, it's always judged if you win or lose," said Clarke via Star Sports.

Moreover, Clarke also asserted that PBKS spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was not coming into the attack till the 16th over of CSK’s chase. He stated that if Punjab Kings had suffered a loss, Chahal not getting an over till the last five overs of the game could’ve been a major talking point. 

"Chahal bowled the 16th over, the number one wicket taker in the IPL, and didn't get into the game until the 16th over. If Punjab Kings lose, that's judged hard. You win, it's not spoken about," Clarke added.

Clarke hailed PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer for taking bold decisions like not bringing Chahal until the last five overs of the game, which resulted in PBKS winning the game by 18 runs eventually. 

"So that's the way the game goes, and that's the risk you take as a captain. You've got to go with your guts, and you've got to back yourself every time," Clarke concluded.

PBKS will next take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 27th match of the IPL 2025 season on Saturday, April 12.

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