According to Aakash Chopra, Rachin Ravindra might replace Devon Conway as the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) opener for the first half of the IPL 2024 season.
Conway’s thumb needs surgery. He will be sidelined for a minimum of eight weeks. Ravindra might replace his fellow New Zealander at the top of the order for the Chennai-based team in the forthcoming season of the famous league.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated that Ravindra’s all-around qualities made him a perfect candidate to accompany Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.
“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.”
“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.”
Aakash Chopra
Ravindra has 214 runs at a pathetic 16.46 average in 18 201 innings. However, he scored an explosive 68 from 35 deliveries against Australia last month, his first half-century in T201s.
Aakash Chopra names Daryl Mitchell as another opening option for CSK
Aakash Chopra offered Daryl Mitchell as an additional opening option for the Chennai 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.”
Aakash Chopra
The reputable expert admitted that CSK may be concerned about Devon Conway’s likely unavailability.
“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.”
Aakash Chopra
Devon Conway scored the most runs for CSK during their successful IPL 2023 season. Last season, the left-handed opener scored 672 runs with an average of 51.69 and a strike rate of 139.70 across 15 innings.