The go-ahead has been given for New Zealand's skipper, Kane Williamson, to take part in the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. It has been confirmed that the 15-person Black Caps World Cup roster would include the batting starlet. Williamson, who was recovering from a knee injury he sustained during the IPL 2023 season opener, appeared to be in good health when he was recently spotted practising with the New Zealand team.
Williamson sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his right knee on March 31 while participating in the IPL 2023 season opener for the Gujarat Titans against the Chennai Super Kings. He landed awkwardly on his right leg while attempting to block a six close to the boundary, and had to be helped off the pitch. He underwent surgery the following month, and since then, he has been in rehabilitation.
The 33-year-old was handed a two-week deadline by coach Gary Stead last week to prove his total fitness before the World Cup, and it seems that he has been successful in that. “Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him," head coach Gary Stead stated after approving Kane’s fitness. "He’s left no stone unturned in trying to get back playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him. Stead added further.
It is unlikely that Williamson will feature for the Kiwis since the opening match, as he is not expected to be fit till then. But his participation in the latter games has been confirmed by the New Zealand Cricket Board. The 2019 and 2015 World Cup finalists will kick off this edition’s proceeding in the opening game against arch-rivals England on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. New Zealand will then travel to Hyderabad to face Netherlands in their second game on October 9.
