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Kane Williamson (Image credit: Twitter)
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Kane Williamson (Image credit: Twitter)New Zealand limited overs captain Kane Williamson is set to miss the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the opening match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on March 31. The ace batter had been ruled out of the remaining matches of IPL 2023 and the latest update from New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that he will also miss the upcoming World Cup in India.
In a statement on Thursday, the Black Caps said Williamson has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is expected to undergo surgery within the next three weeks. They also said the 32-year-old is unlikely to be fit to lead the team at the World Cup in October and November given the expected rehabilitation time.
Williamson was injured while fielding on the boundary line during the first innings of the tournament opener between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT). While attempting to save a six hit by CSKΒ opener Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 13th over the Kiwi batter, who nearly took the catch, had a bad landing, injuring his right knee. He couldn't get up once he was down, so the medical team came to help him and immediately carry off the field.
Williamson saved two runs for his team in the process, but it was a huge blow for the Titans, who will be without the services of a world-class player for the rest of the IPL journey.
Williamson thanked Titans and New Zealand Cricket for their support
The right-handed batter returned to New Zealand on Tuesday for further treatment and was seen coming out of the Auckland airport on crutches with a heavy knee brace.
"I've received great support over the past few days and want to thank both the Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket for that," Williamson said.
"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," he added.
Meanwhile, Titans announced Sri Lanka's limited-overs captain Dasun Shanaka as Williamson's replacement for the remainder of the tournament two days ago.
Here's how fans reacted to the news that Williamson might miss the ODI World Cup:
Will miss him π’, but
β GAGANπ (@DhakaUnesh) April 6, 2023
For Indian team point of view I'm happy π
2023 WC loading for INDIA π€π
β Yash Singh (@iamyas_legend) April 6, 2023
β Bheem (@Turbodrive15) April 6, 2023
That's very unfortunate for him and New Zealand. He would have been very crucial for his team if they were to play semis. Get well soon is what we can say right now.
β Khush Thakkar (@Khush_Thakkar12) April 6, 2023
Prayers up for Kane Williamson π
β Haque π§π© (@midtownndriverr) April 6, 2023
Ken mama missing π
β The pink Army (@The_pink_Army) April 6, 2023
Probably his last World Cup
β P B Raghuram (@pbraghuram) April 6, 2023
He missed it
It's really unfortunate for saving 2 runs he lost 6 months
β Dhawal Purohit (@DhawalPurohit13) April 6, 2023
2 runs bachane ke chakkar me pura WC Miss karega yeπ€¦ββοΈπ€¦ββοΈ
β NIHAR (@NIHAR17284962) April 6, 2023