Why is Devon Conway not playing for CSK in IPL 2024?
New Zealand batter Devon Conway was a key member of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) outfit that won the IPL for a record-equalling fifth time by winning the 2023 edition. The left-handed batter was the third-leading run-getter in last year's competition, smashing 672 runs in 15 innings at an average of 51.69 and a strike rate of 139.71.
Conway was, in fact, the Player of the Match as Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans in a rain-affected final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He smashed 47 off 25 as Chennai went on to win the IPL 2023 summit clash by five wickets (DLS method).
The Kiwi opener is, however, not a part of the ongoing edition of the IPL. He was retained by the CSK franchise for the current season. However, Conway's chances of featuring in the T20 league were dealt a huge blow when he suffered a thumb fracture during the second T20I against Australia in February. The 32-year-old subsequently underwent surgery for the same.
It was initially reported that Conway might be available for the second half of the IPL, sometime in May. However, on Thursday, April 18, the New Zealand batter was ruled out of IPL 2024. A media release on iplt20.com said:
"Devon Conway has been ruled out of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to an injury."
Conway has played 23 IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings over two seasons, scoring 924 runs at an average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 141.28, with nine half-centuries, which includes a best of 92*.
The Kiwi has been replaced by England's Richard Gleeson in the CSK squad for IPL 2024. The 32-year-old England pacer has played six T20Is, claiming nine wickets at an average of 20.77.
Rachin Ravindra has had a mixed time as opener for CSK in Devon Conway's absence
In Conway's absence, his New Zealand teammate Rachin Ravindra is opening the batting for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. Ravindra has done a decent job so far, scoring 133 runs in six games at an average of 22.17 and a strike rate of 166.25.
The 24-year-old slammed 37 off 15 on his IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the tournament. He followed it up with 46 off 20 against Gujarat Titans.
Ravindra, though, struggled in the last four matches, registering scores of 2, 12, 15 and 21.