IPL 2024: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a setback in their title defense campaign, with star player Devon Conway expected to be sidelined until at least May due to a left thumb injury. Conway, who earned the player of the match accolade in the previous season’s final against the Gujarat Titans, is set to undergo surgery on his injured thumb, a procedure that will keep him out of action for a minimum of eight weeks.
The injury occurred during the recent T20 International series against Australia, preventing Conway from participating in the opening Test as well. After a thorough medical assessment, it was decided that surgery was the necessary course of action. With an estimated recovery time of eight weeks, Conway is likely to miss more than half of the upcoming tournament, scheduled to commence on March 22 and conclude around the end of May.
With Devon Conway unavailable for IPL 2024, CSK may turn to Rachin Ravindra to open with Gaikwad
Conway made his IPL debut in 2022 after CSK roped in the New Zealand star for his base price of INR 1 crore at the Mega Auction. In 23 appearances for the franchise, he scored 924 runs at 48.63 with nine fifties. His best performance came last season when he amassed 672 runs in 16 matches, laced with six fifties.
With Conway unavailable, CSK may turn to fellow New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra, who was acquired for INR 1.8 crore at the recent auction. Ravindra, known for his stellar performance at the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, has the potential to fill the void left by Conway. Although he experienced a brief injury scare during a T20I match against Australia, Ravindra recovered in time to contribute to New Zealand’s first Test against Australia, scoring a fifty in the second innings.
CSK’s schedule for the initial phase of the 2024 season includes matches against RCB, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team will play two matches at home and two away during this period. The remaining schedule will be released after the announcement of the Indian general election dates, adding anticipation to CSK’s strategy to cope with Conway’s absence.
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