Massive blow for Chennai ahead of Ind T20 League 2024

Chennai (CHE) have suffered a major blow ahead of their title defence as ace batter Devon Conway is set to be ruled out of action at least until May. The southpaw, who was adjourned the player of the match in the final against Gujarat (GUJ) last year, will be on the sidelines for at least eight weeks after it was confirmed that he would be requiring a surgery this week on his left thumb. 

The 32 year old picked a thumb during the recently concluded T20I series against Australia and was therefore not available to partake in the first test as well. A decision to operate was made following the medical consultation. With the recovery expected to take a minimum of eight weeks, Conway will probably be not available for the majority of the lucrative tournament which is set to commence on March 22 and conclude in all likelihood by the end of May. 

Henry Nicholls, who was brought in as the cover for Conway for the opening test against Australia, will remain with the squad for the second test. Meanwhile, Neil Wagner’s hopes of receiving a farewell test match were dashed by the NZ management when they confirmed that the pacer wouldn’t be called in as a replacement for the injured Will O’ Rourke in the squad. Rourke sustained a left hamstring strain and would now require at least a fortnight of rest. 

The Black Caps have replaced the lanky pacer with Ben Sears in the squad, Sears, who has 58 scalps from 19 games in his first class career so far. While Sears has made T20I appearances for the Kiwis, including the last series against Australia, he is yet to make a debut in Tests. "Ben's a young bowler with a quality skill set," head coach Gary Stead said. "He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket. We've been really impressed by his performances for the BLACKCAPS in white ball cricket this summer and believe he can make the step up to the Test arena if called upon."