IPL 2024: CSK Hit With Injury Blow As Devon Conway Is Ruled Out Of Action Until May

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffer a blow just weeks before the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as the defending champions are set to be without New Zealand opener Devon Conway for the first half of the season.

Conway, who picked up the injury during the recent T20I series against Australia, will this week undergo surgery on the left thumb and will need at least eight weeks to recover, ruling him out of action until May.

Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway, who was ruled out of the ongoing Test series against Australia. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead wished Conway a speedy recovery.

"We're all feeling for Devon," Stead said. "He's a massive part of the Blackcaps and we're going to miss his presence both on and off the field. We wish him all the best for his surgery and we will be there to support him as he begins his recovery."

The 32-year-old Kiwi batter will need at least eight weeks to recover post surgery, which he will undergo sometime this week, according to the New Zealand head coach. Conway, however, may be fit for the start of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Conway, the player of the match in IPL 2023 final, will be a big miss for CSK, who start their title defence at home against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22.

CSK will face Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 26 before taking on Delhi Capitals in Vizag on March 31 and will then travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5 in the last of the announced fixtures.

The Kiwi southpaw had forged a good partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, scoring 672 runs, including 6 fifties, at an average of 51.69 and a strike-rate of 139.71 in 16 matches for CSK last season.

MS Dhoni-led side may now try Conway's compatriot Rachin Ravindra in the opening position or may also play seasoned Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane with another new recruit from New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell likely to come in at number 3 or 4.