Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a major blow just weeks before the commencement of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The team’s opener, Devon Conway, has been ruled out of action until May due to a thumb injury.
Injury sidelines Devon Conway
The blow to CSK’s batting lineup comes after Conway, who was pivotal in Chennai’s triumph in the 2023 final against Gujarat Titans (GT), underwent surgery on his left thumb last week. The injury was sustained during the T20I series against Australia, leading Conway to miss the ongoing Test series as well.
Extended recovery time
Conway’s recovery period is estimated to be around eight weeks, meaning he will miss a significant portion of the IPL season. His absence poses a challenge for CSK as they aim to defend their title, with the season set to commence on March 22.
Impressive IPL record
Since making his IPL debut in 2022, Conway has been a key player for CSK, amassing 924 runs in 23 appearances at an impressive average of 48.63. His standout performance came in the previous season, where he scored 672 runs in 16 matches, including six fifties.
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Potential replacement
CSK may turn to another New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra as a replacement for Conway. Ravindra, who was acquired for INR 1.8 crore at the auction last December, has shown promise following his standout performances at the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.
IPL schedule
Notably, the Super Kings will play four matches in the initial phase of the IPL season. They will play the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), followed by games against Gujarat, Delhi Capitals (DC), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Not to mention, the remaining schedule of the upcoming season will be released following the announcement of the Indian general election dates.
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