Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2024 as opener Devon Conway is set to miss at least first half of the upcoming season.

The New Zealand batter is all set to undergo surgery on the left thumb he had injured during the third T20I against Australia in Auckland last month.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday (March 4) issued a statement ahead of the second Test against Australia, stating that Conway will need a recovery period of at least 8 weeks.

"BLACKCAPS opener Devon Conway will this week undergo surgery on the left thumb he damaged during the KFC T20I series against Australia."

"Following several scans and specialist advice, the decision was made to operate on Conway with a likely recovery period of at least eight weeks," read the statement.

Devon Conway was the highest run-getter for CSK in their triumphant IPL 2023 campaign, amassing 672 runs from 15 innings at a strike rate of 139.70 with six half-centuries. He formed a formidable partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.

CSK will be playing four matches during the first phase of the IPL 2024 season, including the tournament opener against RCB at Chepauk on March 22.

The MS Dhoni-led will face Gujarat Titans on March 26 at Chepauk before taking on Delhi Capitals in Vizag on March 31. CSK’s last match in the first phase is scheduled against SRH in Hyderabad on April 5.

With the rest of the fixtures yet to be unveiled, it remains to be seen the number of matches that Conway will miss in the upcoming IPL season.