The defending champions Chennai Super Kings, were dealt a major blow when star opener Devon Conway was ruled out of the first half of the coming season of the Indian Premier League. The Kiwi opened suffered a thumb injury during the second T20 against Australia, and a scan confirmed a fractured thumb.
On Monday, the report confirmed that the southpaw won’t be able to make it until May, which means CSK need to find a replacement for him. They can also choose to pick a player as a replacement, but if CSK want they have the backup to pick a player within the side to open the innings. Here we will talk about the three available players who can replace Conway as opener in his absence.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of CSK since joining the franchise. Rahane has played as an opener for the Rajasthan Royals in his IPL career, and the way he has played for CSK, he can be a good partner for Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. His experience will be pretty good at the top for Chennai, for sure.
2. Daryl Mitchell
Chennai bought the Kiwi star Daryl Mitchell for a whopping price of INR 14 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, which suggests how big they rate him. Darly is a top-order batter for New Zealand as well and can be tried as an opener. He is in good form for New Zealand, and Conway’s absence can make way for him at the top of the order.
1. Rachin Ravindra
One man who made his name at the international level, when he replaced Kane Williamson in the World Cup 2023 is Rachin Ravindra. The all-rounder is certainly the one to watch out for; he was New Zealand’s highest run scorer in India and scored consistently at the top. He is a perfect replacement if CSK don’t want to sign a replacement. Ravindra will give a left and right hand option at the top and is good against spin and pace as well.
