Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a setback as key player Devon Conway will miss the initial phase of IPL 2024 due to surgery on his left thumb. This leaves CSK in search of a replacement to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad as opener. Cric Informer suggests four potential names to fill Conway’s spot in the upcoming season.

With IPL 2024 kicking off on March 22, CSK, led by MS Dhoni, will start their match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk in Chennai. Despite the challenge, CSK has several options to choose from for Conway’s replacement as opener. Let’s explore four worthwhile candidates for the role.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has a strong track record as an opener in T20 cricket, having played in that role for both India and his IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. Last year, he performed exceptionally well for CSK, batting at No. 3, scoring 326 runs with an impressive strike rate of 172.

 In his T20 career, Rahane has opened the innings in 177 matches, with 120 of them being in the IPL. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him a valuable asset for CSK. With 4400 IPL runs, including two centuries and 30 fifties, at an average of 30.99 and a strike rate of 123.42, Rahane’s presence as an opener gives MS Dhoni flexibility in the middle order to adapt to match situations.

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Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra‘s addition to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2024 auction was hailed as a smart move by the MS Dhoni-led team. Known for his proficiency in Indian conditions, Ravindra showcased his talent by scoring over 500 runs for New Zealand in the ICC World Cup last year, including three centuries as an opener filling in for the injured Kane Williamson.

Besides his batting prowess, Ravindra’s left-arm spin adds versatility to his game, making him a valuable asset for CSK. His inclusion in the squad allows for strategic placement in the top order, making him the ideal candidate to fill in for Conway.

Dawid Malan

Dawid Malan, England’s former top-ranked T20I batter, boasts an impressive record with 1892 runs in 62 matches at a strike rate of 132.49. His tally includes one century and 16 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency in the format. Known for their knack of spotting undervalued talents, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could consider Malan as a suitable replacement for Devon Conway.

Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway’s teammate from New Zealand, presents another viable option for Chennai Super Kings as an opener. Mitchell showcased his batting prowess during the ICC World Cup 2023, smashing two centuries, including one in the semi-final against India. With a strike rate of 135.29 in 195 T20 matches and 4251 runs with 21 fifties, most teams typically utilise Mitchell as a finisher. However, with MS Dhoni’s strategic acumen, Mitchell could be deployed at the top alongside Gaikwad, allowing him to capitalize on the powerplay overs.

As CSK prepares for IPL 2024, the absence of Devon Conway prompts strategic considerations for their opening slot. Fans are waiting to see a deserving player as the replacement.