New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that Kane Williamson, the skipper for New Zealand in white-ball cricket, will be part of the 15-member squad for the Men’s World Cup in India. This decision comes as he is still in the process of recuperating from his recent right knee surgery.
In the inaugural encounter of IPL 2023, Kane Williamson suffered a torn ACL in his right knee while representing Gujarat Titans against the Chennai Super Kings on March 31 in Ahmedabad. It was a courageous attempt by the right-handed batsman as he leaped towards the deep square leg boundary to prevent a six off Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ball.
However, a terrible fall on his right leg prompted him to be immediately removed from the field. This injury forced him out of the remainder of IPL 2023, and in early April, he headed home for surgery. This injury substantially limited his prospects of participation in the forthcoming quadrennial tournament in India, planned from October 5 to November 19.
NZC has stated that Williamson’s recovery has advanced to a point where he can be part of the squad for the upcoming tournament. Currently, Williamson, who is on his way to his fourth Men’s ODI World Cup appearance, is in England with the New Zealand white-ball team, diligently progressing through his rehabilitation process from injury.
Coach Gary Stead mentioned that although Williamson’s inclusion doesn’t confirm his availability for the opening match against England on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, he’s showing promising signs in his recovery journey.
“Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him. He’s left no stone unturned in trying to get back to playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him,” he mentioned.
In the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup, Williamson emerged as New Zealand’s top run-scorer, amassing an impressive 578 runs at an outstanding average of 82.57. His stellar performance featured two centuries and an equal number of half-centuries. Furthermore, he was rightfully honored as the Player of the Tournament. Despite a heart-wrenching finale at Lord’s, where New Zealand fell short in a dramatic Super Over after a thrilling tie with England.
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