Kane Williamson set to miss 2023 ODI World Cup: Details
In a major blow for Team New Zealand, their regular skipper Kane Williamson is set to miss the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. The star batter will undergo surgery, having ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee. Notably, he sustained the injury while fielding during Gujarat Titans's (GT) IPL 2023 opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Here are further details.
What did Williamson say?
"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 in an NZC statement. "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."
WC to take place in India
Notably, the ODI World Cup is slated to take place in October-November in India. As per Cricbuzz, Williamson is expected to go under the knife sometime in the next three weeks. The wait is for the swelling in the knee to subside before the surgery. Notably, recovery from ACL reconstructive surgeries usually takes around six months. This practically rules Williamson out of WC.
Gary Stead is optimistic regarding Williamson's participation
Though Williamson's participation in the competition is highly unlikely, NZ's head coach Gary Stead hasn't still lost all hopes. "From our perspective, we certainly haven't given up hope on that, and Kane will meet a number of milestones in the next six months or so," he said. "Our first thoughts, obviously, are with Kane at the moment, it's a tough time for him."
How Williamson has fared in ODIs?
Williamson currently owns 6,554 runs from 161 ODIs at an average of 47.83. The tally includes 13 centuries and 42 fifties. He is NZ's fifth-highest run-getter in the format. Notably, NZ were the runners-up in the last two ODI World Cups (2015 and 2019). Williamson played an instrumental role in both campaigns. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the 2019 edition.
