New Zealand opener Devon Conway is out of IPL 2024 due to injury, the tournament organizers confirmed this news on Thursday. Chennai Super Kings have signed England fast bowler Richard Gleeson at his base price of Rs 50 lakh.

Devon Conway, who was instrumental in the Super Kings’ triumphant IPL 2023 run, was expected to rejoin the side in the latter stages of this year’s tournament. The Kiwi opener had injured his thumb while playing for New Zealand against Australia in a T20I series. He underwent the procedure to treat the injury, sidelining him for the start of the IPL season.

The IPL released an official statement saying, “CSK have added Richard Gleeson to their squad for the remainder of the 2024 IPL season. Gleeson has represented England in 6 T20 internationals, taking 9 wickets. He has also played 90 T20 matches overall, picking up 101 wickets in the format.”

Recently, the 36-year-old Gleeson played for the Gulf Giants in the second season of the ILT20, where he picked up 5 wickets in 5 matches. CSK has decided to bring Gleeson on board to strengthen their overseas fast bowling options, considering Mustafizur Rahman will soon return to Bangladesh. The left-arm pacer, who has taken 10 wickets in 5 matches, will only be available for CSK until May 2.

Since the mega auction in 2022, Devon Conway has emerged as one of the Chennai Super Kings’ most reliable batsmen. The southpaw has excelled at the top of the order, forging an excellent opening partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. In 23 matches for CSK, Conway has amassed 924 runs, including 9 half-centuries and a top score of 92.

His ability to play both pace and spin has been invaluable, especially on the slow pitches often found in the IPL. Last season, he scored 671 runs in 16 matches at an outstanding average of 51 and a strike rate close to 140. With Conway absent this year, fellow New Zealander Rachin Ravindra has opened the batting for CSK.

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