We are not far away from the start of the Indian Premier League 2024. The first match will take place on March 22 at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The defending champion Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament’s opener. CSK signed some good players at the auction to strengthen their team. But with a few weeks left until the start of the IPL, CSK suffered an injury scare.
Star opener Devon Conway fractured his left thumb during the second T20 game against Australia in Auckland on February 23. The NZC confirmed that after the scans, it was clear that he suffered a fractured thumb and didn’t take part in the game. With the T20 World Cup 2024 coming up, New Zealand might not take the chance to send Conway to the IPL, or he might miss a few games. In that case, CSK need to find a replacement for him.
1. Steve Smith
Former RR captain Steve Smith went unsold at the IPL 2024 auction, which was a big surprise. Because a player of his calibre is an asset to any team. He has also played the IPL with MS Dhoni for the Rising Pune Super Giants and took them to the final. Smith has played 103 IPL matches and scored 2485 runs with one hundred and 11 half-centuries. He can be an ideal replacement for Devon Conway.
2. Phil Salt
Though CSK already has some players who can bat at the top of the order. But if they are looking for someone who can be a dasher at the top, then England’s Philip Salt can be a good buy. He was part of Delhi Capitals in 2023 and was released. Salt scored 218 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 163.91 and also scored runs at the international level. CSK can look to have him in place of injured Devon Conway.
3. Finn Allen
Finn Allen ended up being the highest run scorer in the five-match T20 series against Pakistan and also did well in the first T20 against Australia. He was released by RCB without giving him a game. Allen is a powerful hitter who can change the course of the game in a few overs. He is the partner of Devon Conway on New Zealand’s side. In 42 games, he scored 1093 at a strike rate of 163.87. He can also be a good choice for injured Conway.
