'Ek wheelchair toh deserve karta hai' - Fans react as Kane Williamson walks on crutches with heavy knee brace after returning to New Zealand

Kane Williamson (Image credit: Twitter)

Kane Williamson has returned to New Zealand after suffering a knee injury during the opening match of the Indian T20 League 2023 against Chennai. The Gujarat batter arrived at Auckland this morning and was spotted walking on crutches with a heavy-duty knee brace.

The New Zealand captain hurt his right knee in the 13th over of Chennai’s innings while trying to save a six. He was fielding at the deep mid-wicket boundary and almost caught the ball that Ruturaj Gaikwad attempted to hit over the rope. Williamson had a bad landing and once he was down, he could not get up. The medical team came to assist him and he was taken off the ground shortly after.

The Kiwi star player saved two runs for his side in the process, but it was a huge blow for the defending champions as he got ruled out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, A video of Williamson walking on crutches at Auckland airport, where he told reporters, "It's not too painful at the moment", has gone viral on social media with many fans wishing the ace batter a speedy recovery.

Watch the video below:

Painful to see Kane Williamson in this situation!

Wishing him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/cngFRlQiyg

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 4, 2023

Williamson's injury worries New Zealand

The former Hyderabad captain Williamson's injury created a major concern in the Gujarat camp as they lost a top batter in the middle order who could have anchored the innings and taken the team home. This is also a worrying sign for New Zealand as the 2023 ODI World Cup is just six months away. The seriousness of the Kiwis skipper's injury is yet to be known, but if it is a serious one, he could miss the major tournament in India later this year.

"Judging by Williamson's reaction in the moment - clutching immediately for his knee in clear agony - he faces a lengthy period of rehabiliation," Newshub NZ reported.

Gujarat is yet to announce a replacement for Williamson in the ongoing ITL. They will face Delhi in their second match of the tournament on Tuesday, April 4.

Here's how fans reacted: 

Can't see him like this we love you Kane mama get well soon

— Telugu Box office (@TCinemaFun) April 4, 2023

why no wheel chair and special treatment for skipper ? in india people worship captains

— Bhanu Prasad (@bhanuprasadred4) April 4, 2023

Extremely bad to see him like this..

One of the finest batsman of our times reeling in pain..
He will come back stronger than before

— Anoop Mundhra (@anoopmundhra) April 4, 2023

Injuries suck, but they're just part of the journey to being a legend.

— Rajesh Chopra (@ichoprarajesh) April 4, 2023

SRH mein hona chahiye tha . circle ke andar fielding karta 😭

— जितेंद्र (@hydbadshah) April 4, 2023

Ek wheelchair toh willaimson bhi deserve karta hai😔👈

— Rohit (@imr0hit_) April 4, 2023

Fast recovery kane mama

— Sumit 16 💙 (@44centurywhen) April 4, 2023

So sad to see him like this
Play International Cricket
Stop Playing this IPL shit
This is World Cup Year Kane Mama
🥹❤️

Speedy Recovery 💪

— $teve (@Introverthubroo) April 4, 2023

Antha serious injury ha 😥

— Srinivas (@viratian_life) April 4, 2023