It’s unlikely that Kane Williamson, the star batsman from New Zealand, will participate in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India due to a knee injury. The limited-overs captain will have to undergo surgery, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Williamson sustained the injury during the opening match of the IPL 2023 season between the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings on March 31.
While attempting to catch the ball on the square-leg boundary, he landed awkwardly on his knee, causing him to clutch his right knee in pain. Although he received some treatment on the field, he didn’t return to bat during the Titans’ run-chase, and B Sai Sudharsan came in as a replacement under the impact player rule.
Vikram Solanki, the director of cricket for the Gujarat Titans, has since confirmed that Kane Williamson will be unavailable for the remaining matches of the IPL 2023 season. Before leaving the tournament, the New Zealand batsman sent an emotional message to his team. Upon landing in New Zealand, he was seen using crutches and wearing a brace on his right knee. The Gujarat Titans have announced that Dasun Shanaka will replace Williamson in their squad.
Focus now on surgery and rehab, states Williamson
According to nzc.news, Kane Williamson, the elegant right-handed batsman, expressed his gratitude towards the Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for their unwavering support during this challenging period.
He vowed to return to the field as soon as possible and was quoted saying: “I’ve received great support over the past few days and want to thank both the Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket for that. Naturally, it’s disappointing to get such an injury, but my focus now is on having the surgery and starting rehab. It’s going to take some time, but I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible. I look forward to doing what I can to support Gary and the team over the next few months.”
The absence of Kane Williamson will be a significant setback to New Zealand’s prospects in the ODI World Cup. In the previous edition of the tournament held in 2019, Williamson was their top run-scorer with 578 runs in 10 matches and was adjudged the Player of the Tournament as the Kiwis ended up as the runners-up. His performances with the bat were crucial to their success, and his leadership and tactical acumen were also instrumental in guiding the team to the final. Therefore, his absence will undoubtedly be a big loss to the team.