Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, will not compete in the October-November World Cup in India after scans revealed he tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Thursday while fielding in an IPL 2023 game. Cricket in New Zealand said. Williamson will require surgery within the next three weeks, and it will take him a while to recuperate. As a result, he will be unable to compete in the major event.
On March 31, 2023, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kane Williamson (C) of Gujarat Titans is carried back to the pavilion by teammates after becoming hurt. aided in leaving. (Picture by Punit Paranjpe/AFP) Image strictly not for commercial use; only for editorial usage (AFP)
Williamson is unlikely to be healthy and available for selection for this year’s ICC ODI Cricket World Cup in India, according to the typical recovery timeframe, NZC stated in a release.
Williamson was hurt while attempting to catch Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 13th over of the Chennai Super Kings’ inning during the opening game of the 2023 IPL in Ahmedabad. Even though he was able to rescue two runs for his Gujarat Titans club, he was spotted giving up in agony at the boundary line. Following first aid, he was evacuated from the field. Impact player Sai Sudarshan took over for the veteran right-handed batsman, who decided not to continue playing in the game.
A few days later, GT announced that Williamson would not be participating in the competition at all. Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka, was selected to take his spot for the rest of the competition.
Williamson went for scans when he got home, which showed the severity of the injuries. Williamson wanted to express his gratitude for the support he has received since being injured after learning the news.
“During the past several days, I have got a lot of support, and I want to thank Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket for that. Certainly, receiving an injury of this caliber is disheartening, but at this time, my attention is on having the operation and beginning my rehabilitation. Although it will take some time, I will make every effort to return to the field as soon as possible.
Williamson committed to help the team in any way he could even though winning the World Cup suddenly seemed unattainable.
I’m looking forward to supporting Gary and the team in any way I can over the coming several months.
Williamson’s injury, according to New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead, has been a “huge stumbling block” in their World Cup preparations.
“You take Kane as a player, but also Kane the leader and the guy he is within our group, it’s a significant challenge for us to go through,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “While it seems doubtful at this point, we haven’t given up hope that he might be correct. Kane is going through a difficult time right now, and his injury is not the kind you would anticipate. You feel it extremely strongly.
In place of Williamson, Tom Latham seems to be the favorite to captain New Zealand at the World Cup.