The T20 World Cup 2026 has reached its fever pitch, but off the field, the “Kiwi Connection” within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains a topic of intense fascination. In a viral social media segment that has fans in stitches, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry took on the ultimate ‘Blind Ranking’ challenge, attempting to order ten iconic Black Caps who have worn the CSK yellow.
What started as a tactical exercise quickly devolved into a hilarious struggle of loyalty versus format, as Henry had to commit to slots without knowing which legend would appear next. By the time the final names were revealed, the ‘blind’ nature of the game forced some of New Zealand’s brightest modern stars into the basement, leading to a frantic series of apologies from the speedster.
IPL 2026: Matt Henry blind ranks 10 New Zealand Players who’ve worn the CSK Yellow Jersey
The Top 5: Legends, winners and the ultimate architect
Henry’s strategy was immediately put to the test as he tried to reserve the premium spots for the heavyweights of New Zealand’s cricketing history. His decisions in the top half of the list were driven by a deep respect for those who laid the foundation for the franchise’s success, prioritizing longevity and championship-winning experience. The climax of his ranking came early when the man who defines the very identity of the Chennai Super Kings appeared on the screen, forcing Henry to anchor his list with the most influential figure in the franchise’s history.
- 1. Stephen Fleming: Henry didn’t hesitate for a second, crowning the current coach as his number one. “You would have to put him at number one, obviously starting out as a player, then transitioning into player-coach,” Henry explained, citing Fleming as the ultimate blueprint for Kiwi success in India.
- 2. Devon Conway: The clinical opener was slotted into the second spot. Henry lauded Conway’s “unflappable temperament,” acknowledging that his ability to anchor an innings at the top of the order made him an easy choice for the silver medal.
- 3. Brendon McCullum: “Baz” appeared at a time when only the number three slot was available. Henry enthusiastically placed the explosive former captain there, recognizing that McCullum’s aggressive intent completely redefined the way CSK approached the Powerplay.
- 4. Scott Styris: Recalling the “golden era” of the early 2010s, Henry placed Styris at four. “I remember him being a part of a winning Chennai side,” he noted, valuing the veteran’s ability to deliver under pressure during a championship run.
- 5. Tim Southee: Henry showed love to his long-time bowling partner, placing him right in the middle of the pack. He labeled Southee as “one of New Zealand’s greats,” though the blind format prevented him from climbing any higher on the list.
The Bottom Half: Coaching respect and the Rachin Ravindra apology
As the slots began to disappear, the ranking took a turn toward the absurdly difficult. Henry found himself in the unenviable position of placing current superstars and modern-day match-winners in the bottom five, simply because he had run out of room. The segment ended with Henry visibly pained as he had to relegate some of his closest teammates and coaches to the final rungs of the ladder, leading to a hilarious moment of realization that he might have some explaining to do when he next returns to the dressing room.
- 6. Jacob Oram: With “Big Jake” now serving as the bowling coach, Henry played it safe by slotting him at six. “Bowling coach currently now, so I’ll slot him actually at number six, one under Tim,” Henry joked, clearly keeping his coach’s feelings in mind.
- 7. Mitchell Santner: In the shock of the video, Santner ended up at seven. Henry initially panicked, realizing he had undervalued his fellow spinner. “Mitch, you’re at seven… Eight’s too low for you!” he exclaimed, regretting that the blind format had forced a CSK mainstay so low.
- 8. Adam Milne: The “fast bowler slot” went to Milne at number eight. Henry seemed relieved to finally have a specialist pacer on the board, though the “blind” luck of the draw meant Milne couldn’t crack the top half of the competitive list.
- 9. Daryl Mitchell: One of the most expensive and impactful players in the current squad, Mitchell was forced into the ninth spot. Henry acknowledged the “brute force” he brings to the middle order but was left with no other choice as the board filled up.
- 10. Rachin Ravindra: The biggest “fail” of the blind ranking saw the young sensation finish dead last. A mortified Henry couldn’t stop laughing as he apologized to his teammate: “Sorry, Rachin, for putting you at 10!” He admitted that in any fair ranking, the World Cup star would be near the top.
