Devon Conway to be ruled out of IPL 2024 as CSK and MS Dhoni suffer massive selection choices

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a huge blow even before the start of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) as their star batsman Devon Conway is set to be sidelined at least until May.

The New Zealand batsman will remain on the sidelines for at least eight weeks due to a thumb injury he suffered during the T20I series against Australia earlier this month. The left-handed batsman suffered the injury while wicketkeeping.

After fast bowler Adam Milne bowled one down the leg side during the second T20I, the ball took off sharply and Devon Conway had to catch it awkwardly. He did not look in pain after collecting the ball but had to call the physio before deciding to walk off the field. He did not take any further part in the game as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batsman had suffered an injury in his left thumb.

Devon Conway sidelined:

Devon Conway will now have to undergo surgery on his left thumb and will need at least two months to fully recover. As a result, he is expected to miss more than half of the IPL 2024 which is scheduled to begin from March 22. The final is reportedly set to be played on May 26.

The southpaw recently missed the first Test against Australia due to the same injury. New Zealand had to call up Henry Nicholls as a cover and the middle-order batsman is set to remain with the squad for the second Test as well.

Missing Devon Conway will be a huge blow for reigning champions CSK. He was one of their best performers in the last season of the IPL. In 16 games, the New Zealand star scored an impressive 672 runs with the help of six half-centuries. He was also adjudged the Player of the Match in the final for his quickfire knock of 47 runs. Meanwhile, CSK will begin their title defense against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 in Chennai.