The mega auction for IPL 2025 is expected to take place at the end of November or the first week of December. The BCCI has instructed all IPL franchises to submit the names of retained players by the evening of October 31.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful teams in IPL history, has many star players to choose from. However, with the rules set by the BCCI, CSK can only retain six players. While some names are obvious choices, a tough decision lies ahead: who should CSK retain between Devon Conway and Moeen Ali? This dilemma presents an interesting challenge for the Chennai-based team.
Devon Conway or Moeen Ali?
Devon Conway, the classy top-order batter from New Zealand, was bought by CSK for his base price of INR 1 crore during the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. Although born in South Africa, Conway plays for New Zealand and is known for his ability to switch gears while batting. He is also a skilled wicketkeeper when required. In T20Is, Conway has a strike rate of over 139 in 20 matches, bringing great versatility to CSK.
Conway had a decent season in IPL 2022, scoring 252 runs in seven matches with an impressive average of 42. However, his standout performance came in IPL 2023, where he and Ruturaj Gaikwad consistently provided solid starts for CSK. Conway scored a total of 672 runs at an average of around 52, proving his ability to build momentum not only at the beginning of the innings but also in the middle overs, especially against spin bowling.
Performance Comparison (2022-2024)
When it comes to batting against spin, Conway has shown solid performance. In IPL 2022, he averaged 58.50 against spin bowlers, scoring 117 runs. Against pace, his performance was slightly less effective, with 129 runs at an average of 32.25. This demonstrates his ability to handle spin well, making him a valuable player for middle-overs where spinners often dominate.
Moeen Ali, on the other hand, has been a valuable all-rounder for CSK. In IPL 2022, Moeen scored 244 runs and also took eight wickets with his off-spin bowling. However, his form with the bat dipped in 2023, where he managed only 124 runs across 15 matches. He did slightly better with the ball, picking up nine wickets in 2023.
Moeen’s struggles continued in IPL 2024, where he played just eight matches and scored 128 runs. His bowling was also less effective, taking only two wickets. As CSK relied more on pace bowlers, especially with Ruturaj Gaikwad excelling, Moeen got fewer chances to make an impact in both batting and bowling.
Fielding Comparison – Devon Conway or Moeen Ali?
Both Devon Conway and Moeen Ali are excellent fielders. In IPL 2022, Moeen Ali took five catches, followed by four in 2023 and two in 2024. Devon Conway, meanwhile, grabbed six catches in IPL 2023 and two in 2022. This shows that both players contribute well in the field and are reliable when it comes to fielding.
Devon Conway or Moeen Ali? Who Should CSK Retain?
Choosing between Devon Conway and Moeen Ali is not easy for CSK. Conway offers solid, consistent batting at the top and is especially useful against spin. His ability to provide strong starts and play big innings, as seen in IPL 2023, adds great value to CSK’s lineup. Conway’s wicketkeeping skills also give CSK the flexibility to use him in multiple roles.
On the other hand, Moeen Ali brings all-round skills. His ability to bat in the middle order and bowl useful overs of off-spin makes him a valuable asset, especially on pitches that favor spinners. However, Moeen’s recent dip in form, particularly in batting, might raise concerns for CSK. His contributions have not been as strong in the last two seasons, which could make it harder for him to be retained over Conway.
