By Smrati Khare March 2, 2025
New Zealand’s playing XI for Match 12 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against India saw a notable omission – Devon Conway. The star wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his solid performances at the top of the order, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a thumb injury sustained earlier in 2025.
Devon Conway suffered a serious thumb injury during the SA20 2025 season while playing for Joburg Super Kings. The injury occurred when he was accidentally struck by a powerful shot from teammate Faf du Plessis during a match against Pretoria Capitals. The impact left Conway in significant pain, forcing him to leave the field immediately.
Following medical evaluations, it was revealed that Conway had sustained a small fracture in the joint of his thumb, which required surgical intervention. The expected recovery time for this type of injury is around eight weeks, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy 2025 and raising concerns about his availability for IPL 2025 as well.
With Conway unavailable, New Zealand has reshuffled its batting order to compensate for the loss of a key batter. Will Young has been promoted to open alongside Rachin Ravindra, ensuring that New Zealand maintains depth and stability in their batting lineup.
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Tom Latham (wk)
Glenn Phillips
Michael Bracewell
Mitchell Santner (c)
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
William O’Rourke
The Black Caps will certainly miss Conway’s calm presence at the top and his ability to anchor innings in crucial matches. However, the team remains optimistic about adjusting to his absence and putting up a strong fight against India.
Devon Conway has been an essential part of New Zealand’s white-ball setup and his absence in this high-stakes tournament is a major blow. Additionally, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 might also feel the impact of his injury. With the tournament set to begin soon, CSK fans are eagerly waiting for updates on his recovery.
While the expected recovery timeline is eight weeks, Conway’s availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain. CSK will have to evaluate his fitness before making a final decision on his participation.
New Zealand will miss Devon Conway’s experience and reliability, especially against a strong Indian bowling attack. However, with Will Young stepping in as the opener, the team is confident of putting up a good fight in this crucial Champions Trophy 2025 fixture.
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