Chennai: The current IPL champion Chennai Super Kings faces a major setback as star batsman Devon Conway is set to miss a significant part of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a left thumb injury. The news comes just weeks before the defending champions kick off their title defense on March 22.
Conway, who played a pivotal role in the Super Kings’ triumph last year and was named the player of the match in the final against the Gujarat Titans, sustained the injury during the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. The 32-year-old New Zealand cricketer was unavailable for the opening Test as well, further raising concerns about his fitness.
Following a thorough medical evaluation, it has been confirmed that Conway will undergo surgery on his left thumb this week. The recovery period is estimated to be at least eight weeks, ruling him out until May. This unfortunate development means that Conway is likely to miss more than half of the IPL tournament.
Team management expressed their disappointment over the situation, acknowledging Conway’s crucial role in the squad. The left-handed batsman’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the Super Kings’ batting lineup, challenging the team’s title defense aspirations.
Conway’s injury comes as a blow to the Super Kings, who were hoping for a strong start to the season. The management is now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the dynamic Kiwi batsman.
The IPL, set to commence on March 22, will be closely watched by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike as teams gear up for intense competition. Chennai Super Kings will need to regroup and strategize in the absence of Conway to ensure a competitive campaign in their quest for another IPL title.