Heavy blow to CSK! Star cricketer ruled out of IPL 2024 until May due to injury 

Chennai Super Kings’ title defence suffered a major setback with only weeks left for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Star opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first half of the tournament due to a thumb injury. The New Zealand batter was injured during the recently concluded home T20I series against Australia.

Conway was consequently ruled out of the ongoing two-match Test series. He is set to undergo surgery this week and the recovery period is estimated to be around eight weeks. This means the southpaw won’t be available until May in IPL 2024, which will kick off on March 22 with CSK taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway with a likely recovery period of at least eight weeks,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed in their statement. “We’re all feeling for Devon. He’s a massive part of the BLACKCAPS and we’re going to miss his presence both on and off the field,” Kiwi head coach Gary Stead added.

Five-time champions to reshuffle their successful opening pair 

Conway, who made his IPL debut in 2022, has been a key cog in the defending champions’ top order. The Kiwi star and India’s Ruturaj Gaikwad forged a formidable pairing and the latest setback will force the five-time champions to reshuffle their combination. Conway has scored 924 runs in 23 matches, averaging 48.63 with a 141.28 strike rate.

His best performance in the cash-rich came last season when he amassed 672 runs in 16 matches, decorated with six half-centuries. Notably, Conway was awarded Player of the Match in the final for a quick-fire 47 that helped CSK beat Gujarat Giants in a last-ball thriller in Ahmedabad to clinch their record fifth title.

In Conway’s absence, New Zealand young sensation Rachin Ravindra might get the chance to open the innings for CSK. The left-handed batter was roped in for INR 1.8 crore at the auction last December following his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.