'It's not like Conway can't hit sixes' - Michael Clarke fails to understand CSK's decision of retiring Devon Conway out against PBKS

Michael Clarke opened up on CSK's decision to retire Devon Conway out during the match against PBKS in the ongoing IPL 2025. The former cricketer feels it was difficult for him to understand the decision taken by the CSK dugout. He further expressed wonder on how a batter who has been set for quite some time at the crease, could be replaced by a fresh batter without actually being dismissed.

The ex-Australia cricketer understood the need of the hour, however, he also argued that Conway was capable of hitting sixes himself and felt a captain's decision-making could be judged by hasty decisions like the one Ruturaj Gaikwad took. Conway was batting on (49) when he was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja, who later finished with 9* off 5.

"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.

Also Read: 'With Yuzi coming in, we know how destructive he can be' - Shreyas Iyer's bold tactic stuns CSK

Back your bowler every time: Clarke on Iyer not handing the ball to Chahal

The two-time World Cup winner was asked about his opinion on holding Yuzvendra Chahal back till the last 5 overs of the match. He felt that Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS skipper, would've been judged based on his decision had PBKS lost the match to the five-time champions. Chahal bowled a solitary over in the match and conceded 9 runs. Iyer confirmed in the post-match conference that Chahal was held back due to Shivam Dube's presence.

"Chahal bowled the 16th over, the number one wicket taker in the IPL, doesn'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.

Finally, the former Australia captain felt that a leader had to take bold decisions like those and back his beliefs and the players to get the job done.

"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.