The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a blow to their batting lineup with the news that star opener Devon Conway is ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2024.
Conway, a vital cog in CSK’s recent success, hasn’t played a single match this season due to a thumb fracture sustained during an international T20I against Australia in February. Though hopeful for a return in the latter half of the tournament, his recovery hasn’t progressed enough.
The New Zealand batsman has been a key player for CSK since his arrival in 2022. He was instrumental in their fifth IPL title triumph last year, amassing 672 runs in just 15 innings. In total, Conway boasts an impressive record of 924 runs from 22 matches at a healthy average of 48.63, including nine crucial half-centuries.
To fill the void left by Conway’s absence, CSK have brought in English pacer Richard Gleeson as his replacement. The 36-year-old speedster might be a new face in the IPL, but his experience in various T20 leagues around the world caught the selectors’ eye.
Gleeson has impressive credentials, featuring in leagues like the Big Bash League (Melbourne Renegades), Bangladesh Premier League (Rangpur Riders), The Hundred (Manchester Originals), SA20 (Durban Super Giants), and the ILT20 (Gulf Giants). In the T20 format, he has a potent wicket-taking record, claiming 101 scalps in just 87 matches.
While Gleeson brings pace and experience, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the high-pressure environment of the IPL. CSK, currently sitting comfortably in third place with eight points from six matches under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, will be hoping the English bowler can contribute to their title defense.
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