The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is already facing a big blow as New Zealand’s batting sensation, Devon Conway, is set to undergo surgery on his thumb, keeping him out of action for approximately eight weeks. This unfortunate turn of events raises questions about Conway’s availability for IPL 2024.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), gearing up for their clash with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on their home turf in the opening match of IPL 2024 on March 22, have been dealt a severe blow. Explosive opener Devon Conway is uncertain to play in IPL 2024 due to an injury that occurred during the T20 series against Australia. Conway injured his thumb, and doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, sidelining him from cricket for an estimated eight weeks.
Out of Action for the First Half of IPL
After suffering the thumb injury, Conway couldn’t participate in the Test series against Australia. It is reported that he will undergo surgery on his left thumb this week. Post-surgery, Conway may need around two months to recover fully, putting his participation in the first half of IPL 2024 in serious doubt. If he makes a comeback later in the season, it will depend on his fitness at that time.
Impact on CSK
Devon Conway played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings’ victory in the IPL 2023. In the final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, he was awarded the Player of the Match. Conway is known for his ease against spin bowling, making his absence a significant setback for CSK, especially considering the spin-friendly pitch in Chepauk, Chennai. In IPL 2023, Conway ranked third among the highest run-scorers, amassing 672 runs in 16 matches with an impressive average of 51.69, including eight fifties.
CSK Squad for IPL 2024
- MS Dhoni (Captain)
- Moeen Ali
- Deepak Chahar
- Devon Conway
- Tushar Deshpande
- Shivam Dube
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ajay Mandal
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Mathisha Pathirana
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Sheikh Rashid
- Mitchell Santner
- Simarjeet Singh
- Nishant Sindhu
- Prashant Solanki
- Mahesh Thikshana
- Rachin Ravindra
- Shardul Thakur
- Daryl Mitchell
- Samir Rizvi
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Avneesh Rao Aravalli
The absence of Conway is undoubtedly a significant blow for CSK, and their strategy for the upcoming season may need to be recalibrated considering the unavailability of the Kiwi batsman.