Wellington: Kane Williamson is likely to miss the ODI World Cup in India later this year as the New Zealand skipper is set to undergo a surgery for the treatment of his right knee which he injured while playing for Gujarat Giants in the ongoing IPL. Following the injury, Williamson returned to New Zealand and the scans have confirmed that he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of his right knee.
Williamson suffered the injury while fielding for the holders against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad. According to New Zealand Cricket statement, the right-handed batter will go under the knife within the next three weeks. On receiving the news, Williamson acknowledged the support he had received from his franchise and NZC following the injury. "I've received great support over the past few days and want to thank both the Gujarat Titans and New Zealand Cricket for that," he said.
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"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. According to the standard rehabilitation period for such an injury, Williamson is unlikely to be fit and available for World Cup which is scheduled to be held in October-November.
"I look forward to doing what I can to support Gary (Stead) and the team over the next few months," Williamson said. New Zealand coach Stead too feels it would be very difficult for Williamson to be fit before the World Cup. "You take Kane the player for a start, but then Kane the leader and the person he is within our group as well, it's a huge spanner in the works for us," Stead said.
"We haven't given up hope that he might be right but at this stage it does look unlikely. Our first thoughts are with Kane at the moment, it's a tough time for him, it's not an injury you expect it hits you pretty hard." Williamson had quit Test captaincy in December 2022 but leads the Black Caps in the limited overs format. He has played 161 ODIs, scoring 6554 runs at an average of 47.83. (PTI)
