3 teams that should target Devon Conway at IPL 2026 auction ft. DC

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) released New Zealand opener Devon Conway ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Apart from the Kiwi batter, the five-time champions also released Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for keeper-batter Sanju Samson.

Conway played only six matches for CSK in IPL 2025, scoring 156 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 131.09, with two half-centuries. The New Zealand batter represented the Chennai franchise for three seasons. In 29 matches, he has scored 1,080 runs at an average of 43.20 and a strike rate of 139.71, with 11 half-centuries.

Conway was purchased by CSK for ₹6.25 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. In this feature, we look at three teams that can target the New Zealand top order batter at the upcoming auction on December 16.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have two destructive openers in Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. The duo were exceptional in IPL 2024 as the franchise finished runners-up. However, the openers were not consistent in IPL 2025, Head in particular. As a result, SRH struggled when they could not get off to a flyer.

Both Abhishek and Head have been retained for IPL 2026 - a clear signal that are franchise are backing them to come up with some exceptional performances. However, they need some solidity in the batting if things go wrong at the start. Conway is someone who can score at a swift pace even while not taking a lot of risks. As such, the southpaw could be a smart No. 3 choice for SRH.

SRH will head into the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹25.50 crore and two overseas slots left to fill. They could target Conway as one of their overseas buys at a decent price.

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Kolkata Knight Riders

IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had an underwhelming 2025 season. They finished a disappointing eighth in the points table, with just five wins from 14 games. Their top order struggled to make an impact and KKR were forced to ring in the changes in their top three. As a result, the team never looked like a settled batting outfit in IPL 2025.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, KKR released both Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They would thus be on the lookout for a top order batter, who could also keep wickets. Conway fits in nicely into the requirement. The southpaw might not be as flamboyant as De Kock and Gurbaz with the willow, but he does have the ability of scoring quickly and consistently.

KKR will go into the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹64.30 crore, with a maximum of six overseas slots that can be filled. Not only does Conway fit into their scheme of things, but they also have enough money in their kitty to go after the New Zealand keeper-batter, who is also a good fielder.

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Delhi Capitals

Like KKR, Delhi Capitals (DC) also have a major problem with their batting at the top of the order. They began IPL 2025 in brilliant fashion, winning their first four matches. However, their weakness with the bat in the powerplay was soon exposed as DC completely lost their way after a great start. In the end, they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

On expected lines, Delhi have released openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis. Fraser-McGurk had a forgettable IPL 2025 season, scoring just 55 runs in six innings. Du Plessis managed 202 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 123.92. It goes without saying that DC need to strengthen their top order and cannot be overly dependent on KL Rahul. Conway is an option worthy exploring for Delhi.

DC have a purse of ₹21.80 crore to spend at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise can fill up a maximum of five overseas slots. They have enough reasons and money to target Conway at the auction.