Chennai Super Kings were seen wearing black armbands while fielding during their Sunday’s (April 20) IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians.
Batting first, debutant Ayush Mhatre - CSK's youngest-ever player - smashed a quickfire 32 off just 15 balls, containing four fours and two sixes, before Shivam Dube (50 off 32) and Ravindra Jadeja (53 not out off 35) propelled CSK to 176-5.
IPL 2025: Why were CSK players wearing black armbands?
As the team took the field to defend their total in search of a crucial third win during their struggling season, viewers noticed the fielding side wearing black armbands - a gesture traditionally made to honour a passing on. However, the absence of these armbands among CSK's batters, while their fielders wore them later, raised questions and speculation about their specific significance in this instance.
Wisden.com understands CSK's gesture honoured opener Devon Conway's late father. While there was no official announcement, a member from the franchise's media team confirmed to the website: "Devon Conway's dad passed away a few days ago in Joburg."
Conway hasn’t been a regular feature for CSK in this year’s IPL, with the franchise preferring his compatriot Rachin Ravindra to open the innings. He played three out of eight matches this season, in which his scores read 13, 69 and 12. He last featured for CSK on April 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.
MI comfortably chased down the target in just 15.4 overs, with Rohit Sharma marking his return to form as Impact Player through an unbeaten 45-ball 76 (4 fours, 6 sixes), though even his quick scoring was overshadowed by Suryakumar Yadav's explosive 30-ball 68. This convincing victory lifted MI to sixth position while leaving CSK still languishing at the bottom of the points table.
