"Rachin Ravindra's T20 numbers are not good" - Aakash Chopra on Devon Conway's replacement in IPL 2024

Aakash Chopra feels that Rachin Ravindra could replace Devon Conway as Chennai Super Kings’ opener for the early stages of IPL 2024. Aakash Chopra said that CSK could provide Rachin Ravindra with an opportunity to showcase his skills, despite his below-par T20 stats.

Devon Conway sustained a left thumb injury during a recent T20I against Australia at home. He was ruled out of the ongoing two-match Test series. Conway is expected to undergo surgery on his fractured thumb, raising uncertainty over his participation in the IPL 2024.

Conway could miss at least the first half of the Super Kings’ campaign in IPL 2024. The opening batter played a crucial role in CSK’s record-equalling winning campaign last year. He earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award in a thrilling final clash against the Gujarat Titans.

Rachin Ravindra Has A Very Good World Cup – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Rachin Ravindra is experiencing the form of his life, citing his recent performances. Chopra mentioned that Ravindra possesses all the ingredients to become the most valuable player.

“I still feel this team will be fine because they do something and find someone. Here they had already kept an amazing player in the form of Rachin Ravindra as his (Conway’s) backup. He had a very good World Cup and he scored runs in Tests also recently. He is in the form of his life,” Chopra said.

“However, let’s be fair, his T20 numbers are not good. T20 numbers not being good and playing for CSK is a good thing. So you might see Rachin Ravindra’s T20 avatar now. Left-handed opener and left-arm spin, he has all the ingredients to become the most valuable player,” he added.

The 24-year-old impressed during the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring 578 runs with a remarkable average of 64.22 and a strike rate of 106.44, including three centuries and two fifties. The defending champions secured Ravindra’s services for Rs 1.8 crore at the auction.

The all-rounder has an underwhelming record in the shorter format. The left-handed batter has scored 214 runs with an average of 16.46 in 18 innings. However, he recently showcased his potential with 68 off 35 balls against Australia, marking his first T20I half-century.

They Can Play Daryl Mitchell – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra acknowledged potential concerns about Devon Conway’s unavailability, emphasizing his consistent performance and proficiency against spin in Indian conditions. Chopra said Daryl Mitchell could be an alternative opening option for the Super Kings.

“The other option is that, if they wish, they can play Daryl Mitchell. Earlier they were thinking of choosing between Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali. So you can play Daryl Mitchell and make him open. I know he is not an opener but it doesn’t make a difference in T20 cricket,” he elaborated.

“Will they be worried? Devon Conway was super consistent last year. So they will be slightly worried because if any foreign batter has batted easily in the Chennai and Indian conditions, played spin very well, that player is, of course, Devon Conway,” Chopra concluded.

Conway was the leading scorer for the MS Dhoni-led team in the last edition of the IPL. The left-handed batter scored 672 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 51.69 and a strike rate of 139.71. He hit 6 half-centuries in the event, with a best score of 92 runs.

Also read: Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra ruled out of IPL 2024? Massive update arrives from New Zealand for the CSK camp