IPL 2024: Big Blow for CSK! New Zealand's Devon Conway to Undergo Surgery, Ruled Out Until May

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a major blow head of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as New Zealand opener Devon Conway is slated to undergo surgery on the left thumb with the recovery period estimated to be at least eight weeks.

Conway was struck on his left thumb during the second T20I against Australia. He was then forced to leave the field to undergo an X-ray, which cleared him of an obvious fracture.

But the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said, “Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway with a likely recovery period of at least eight weeks.”

With a recovery period expected to be of eight weeks, then it’s obvious that Conway will miss the first of the upcoming edition of the IPL, which is set to kick off on March 22.

Conway wasn’t available to play the opening Test and Henry Nicholls was called in as cover for the first Test.

Nicholls stay with the squad for the second Test against Australia, starting from March 8 in Christchurch, it said.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead wished Conway a speedy recovery.

“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.

“We wish him all the best for his surgery and we will be there to support him as he begins his recovery,” Stead said.

Conway was bought by Chennai Super Kings for a base price of Rs 1 crore in the 2022 auction. The left-handed batter has amassed 924 runs in 23 matches in the IPL at an average of 46.12 with a strike rate of 141. 28.

The IPL is scheduled to start on March 22, with defending champion CSK taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The IPL schedule has been announced only for the first 21 matches. The fixtures for the remaining games will be announced in due course of time.

(With inputs from Agencies)