Aoba Tanaka 
In a setback for the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), key player Devon Conway is set to be sidelined until May, dealing a blow to their title defense aspirations. The New Zealand batsman, who earned the Player of the Match title in last year’s final against Gujarat Titans, is slated to undergo surgery on his left thumb this week, following an injury sustained during the recent T20I series against Australia.
Conway’s absence was felt in the opening Test against Australia, and after medical consultations, it was determined that a surgical intervention was necessary for his left thumb. The recovery period is estimated to be a minimum of eight weeks, making it highly likely that Conway will miss over half of the IPL 2024 season, scheduled to commence on March 22 and conclude by the end of May.
Henry Nicholls, initially called in as cover for Conway in the first Test against Australia, will now extend his stay with the squad for the second game. Meanwhile, fast bowler Neil Wagner’s hopes for a farewell Test match were dashed as he won’t be included as a replacement for the injured Will O’Rourke. Wagner, nursing a left hamstring strain, requires at least two weeks of rest.
New Zealand has named Ben Sears as Wagner’s replacement in the squad. Although Sears has showcased his skills in T20Is, including the recent series against Australia, he is yet to make his Test debut. Head coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in Sears, stating, “Ben’s a young bowler with a quality skill set. He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket.”
As the IPL season approaches, CSK faces the challenge of adjusting their lineup in the absence of the dynamic Conway. The cricket fraternity will be keenly watching how the defending champions navigate this hurdle and maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming tournament. Stay tuned for further updates on Conway’s recovery and CSK’s strategies for IPL 2024.
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