Devon Conway, the opener for the Chennai Super Kings, will not play in the Indian Premier League’s first half (IPL 2024). During the Twenty20 International series against Australia, the New Zealand international hurt his left thumb. He is also set to miss the Test series against Australia. But after more testing and guidance from the medical staff, it was determined that the 32-year-old must undergo surgery, which would keep him out of commission for a minimum of eight weeks.
Chennai would face the major brunt of this injury. Last year, Conway amassed 672 runs with a strike rate of 139.7 in 15 innings. He was quite reliable, and helped Chennai get off to strong beginnings with Ruturaj Gaikwad. MS Dhoni and the team management would now look to start looking for opening options for the upcoming season.
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3 opening pairs that CSK might try in IPL 2024 following Devon Conway’s recent injury
3) Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad-Moeen Ali (Source-Twitter)
Given his lack of success in the IPL 2023 both with the bat and the ball, Moeen Ali’s retention surprised everyone. In 15 matches, he amassed 124 runs while taking just nine wickets. Since signing the Chennai Super Kings in 2021, Ali has accumulated 725 runs and taken 23 wickets in 40 games.
Last season, the Super Kings retained Ali for INR 8 crore. But, with the number of injuries in the squad prior to the IPL starting, it might be crucial for Ali to start for the franchise. Everyone is aware of the massive firepower possessed by Ali and his swashbuckling knocks can give great starts to the Chennai team.
2) Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad-Ajinkya Rahane (Source-Twitter)
Last season, Ajinkya Rahane excelled for CSK in the middle order slots. At this point in his career, MS Dhoni unleashed a new animal in Rahane, as the veteran batsman amassed 326 runs with a 172 strike rate. Rahane may be the player CSK chooses to start in lieu of Conway.
Rahane has a great deal of IPL and T20 cricket opening experience. In 177 T20 contests, 120 of which took place in the IPL, Rahane has served as the opener. If Dhoni decides for this option, he might be able to slot in Moeen Ali or Mitchell Santer or Daryl Mitchell in the middle-order which also be a great thing for the franchise.
1) Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad-Rachin Ravindra (Source-Twitter)
After stunning the crowd with a 97-run knock during the 2023 World Cup warm-up game versus Pakistan, the all-rounder from New Zealand went on to win the contest with a century against England in the opening game of the tournament. He has continued his good form with the bat in all formats of the game as of now.
Rachin Ravindra is a talented batsman who can also help the team win by using his left-arm spin. For any squad in the globe, he may serve as a utility player. For the team, it can be a gift in disguise because they could be able to put the youngster at his ideal top order position. He is the ideal person to replace Conway at the opening slot.
