IPL defending champions CSK named England fast bowler Richard Gleeson as the replacement for Devon Conway. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter picked up an injury and has been ruled out of the season.
Conway had sustained a fracture in his left thumb during the second T20I against Australia in February. He underwent surgery and was supposed to join the IPL franchise in May. But he could not recover in time and has been ruled out for the whole season.
In his absence, Gleeson will look to make the most of his opportunity with CSK. He has been a late bloomer as his first professional appearance came at the age of 27 at Northamptonshire. He emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise in the 2016 T20 Blast with 14 scalps at an economy rate below six.
The English bowler made his debut for the national team at the age of 34 in 2022. He dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant on his debut at Edgbaston and will be making his maiden appearance in the lucrative tournament.
The fast bowler has an experience of playing in the Hundred (Manchester Originals), BPL (Rangpur Riders), BBL (Melbourne Renegades), SA20 (Durban’s Super Giants), and ILT20 (Gulf Giants).
Gleeson has featured in 90 T20s, scalping 101 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18.