CSK vs LSG: Devon Conway makes stunning CSK return for IPL 2024 despite ruled-out status

New Zealand star batter Devon Conway has joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This comes as a massive surprise because the opening batter was earlier ruled out of the entire 17th edition of the league for the five-time champions. 

Devon Conway ahead of the IPL 2024 got his thumb injured and was initially ruled out of the first half of the season. It was expected that the Kiwi batter would be available for the second half of the season but it wasn't the case as the left-hander was ruled out of the entire tournament, confirmed by the franchise. 

In his place Chennai Super Kings added England pacer Richard Gleeson to the squad as replacement. As he was ruled out of the entire tournament, IPL issued an official statement: 

"Devon Conway has been ruled out of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to an injury. Conway, who represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) throughout the last two IPL seasons, played 23 matches and scored 924 runs, which included 9 half-centuries and a highest score of 92*. 

"CSK have added Richard Gleeson to the squad for the remainder of the TATA IPL 2024. Gleeson has represented England in 6 T20Is and has 9 wickets against his name. Additionally, Gleeson has played 90 T20s and picked 101 T20 wickets. He will join CSK for his reserve price of INR 50 Lac." 

However, in a drastic turn of events, Devon Conway has joined the Chennai Super Kings ahead of their game against Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise posted the picture of the Kiwi batter with CSK's training kit and captioned: "Dev at Anbuden!" 

Dev at Anbuden! 🦁✌️#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/g0m736mRFi

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 22, 2024

It is believed that Devon Conway has joined the team for practice despite being ruled out. The keeper-batter won't be part of the squad but will be doing the practice with the team. He also will be undergoing his rehabilitation with the Chennai Super Kings. 

In the absence of Devon Conway, Chennai Super Kings has promoted Rachin Ravindra up the order. The batter, however, hasn't been able to make a big mark with the bat in the ongoing league but with the kind of franchise CSK has been, he will be backed till the end. 

Devon Conway played a huge role in Chennai Super Kings' title triumph in IPL 2023 

Devon Conway was one of the major reasons behind Chennai Super Kings winning the title last year. Since 2022, has formed a formidable opening pair with Ruturaj Gaikwad. He scored 671 runs in 16 matches at an average of 51 and a strike rate of close to 140 last year and helped the team win. 

Overall, he has played 23 matches for CSK and scored 924 runs. The batter has slammed 9 half-centuries and a highest score of 92. His absence this year has been quite evident for the team.