Massive blow to CSK, star batter ruled out of IPL 2024; 36-yr-old English player announced replacement

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a blow as their star batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of Indian Premier Leaugue (IPL) 2024 due to injury. Conway, a key player for CSK over the past two seasons, amassed 924 runs in 23 matches, including nine half-centuries and a highest score of 92*. His absence creates a void in the batting lineup. 

Richard Gleeson named Devon Conway's replacement

To bolster their bowling attack, CSK has secured the services of Richard Gleeson for the remainder of the tournament. Gleeson, an experienced T20 bowler, has represented England in 6 T20 internationals and boasts 9 wickets. Beyond his international experience, Gleeson brings a wealth of experience from his 90 T20 matches, where he has picked 101 wickets. Notably, he joins CSK at his base price of INR 50 Lac. To address the gap left by Mustafizur Rahman's departure, as he rejoins Bangladesh on May 2, CSK have brought in Gleeson. The 36-year-old recently impressed in the second season of the ILT20, picking up 5 wickets in 5 matches for the Gulf Giants.  This addition strengthens CSK's overseas pace attack and provides them with valuable bowling options in the remaining matches. 

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"CSK have added Richard Gleeson to the squad for the remainder of the TATA IPL 2024. Gleeson has represented England in 6 T20Is and has 9 wickets against his name. Additionally, Gleeson has played 90 T20s and picked 101 T20 wickets," IPL's media release read.

 

The New Zealand's star opener, who played an instumental role in CSK's title triumph in IPL 2023, was sidelined for the ongoing season's initial phase due to a thumb injury. Conway had surgery to address the injury, which he sustained during a T20I series where he was representing Australia against New Zealand in New Zealand.

Since joining the team via the mega auction in 2022, Conway has established himself as a crucial pillar in the batting order. Opening alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, the left-hander provided a consistent and dynamic presence at the top. His ability to handle both pace and spin bowling was particularly valuable, especially on slower pitches during IPL 2023. Conway amassed an impressive 671 runs in just 16 matches, averaging over 51 with a near 140 strike rate in IPL 2023. Conway's absence leaves a significant void to fill. In his place, fellow New Zealander Rachin Ravindra has stepped in as the opening partner for CSK. The massive call on Conway might be linked to New Zealand taking a cautious approach with him, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup.

 

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CSK's updated squad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Sameer Rizvi, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nishant Sindhu, MS Dhoni, Aravelly Avinash, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana, Simarjeet Singh, Mustafizur Rahman, Prashant Solanki, Shardul Thakur, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, Ajay Mandal, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Richard Gleeson.

 

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