Chennai: In a setback for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), opening batter Devon Conway has been sidelined for the entire IPL 2024 season due to injury. The Kiwi international sustained a fracture in his left thumb joint during the lead-up to the tournament and subsequently underwent surgery. The recovery period for Conway is estimated to be eight weeks, as confirmed by New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. The injury occurred during the second T20I against Australia in Auckland on February 23, forcing Conway to withdraw from the IPL.
In response to Conway’s unfortunate absence, CSK has swiftly named England’s Richard Gleeson as his replacement. The 36-year-old right-arm pacer joins the CSK squad for his reserve price of INR 50 lakh, hoping to make an impact in the upcoming matches.
Gleeson brings a wealth of experience to the table, having represented England in six T20Is. His international debut against India in Birmingham in 2022 saw him impress with a three-wicket haul, despite India emerging victorious in the contest.
However, in the absence of Conway, CSK will depend on young Indian wicketkeeper Aravelly Avanish as a backup for former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is currently donning the role of wicketkeeper for the five-time IPL champion team.
(Source: Cricbuzz)