Williamson will undergo surgery for injured knee, difficult to fit for ODI World Cup

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Wellington. New Zealand ODI captain Kane Williamson may miss the ODI World Cup in India after suffering a knee injury in the first match of the IPL.

Williamson recently returned to New Zealand where the seriousness of the injury was confirmed, revealing that he has suffered an ACL injury and will now undergo surgery in the next three weeks after the swelling around the knee has reduced.

“Yes it’s unfortunate to have this kind of injury but my focus right now is on surgery and starting my rehab. It will take some time but I will try to do everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible,” he added.

In his debut match for Gujarat, Williamson went down on his knees in an awkward position while taking a catch at the deep square leg boundary. This was the 13th over of CSK’s innings. He wanted to catch Rituraj Gaikwad’s ball going for a six. Williamson saved two runs for the team and threw the ball in the ground, but during this he fell straight on his knee.

New Zealand may get a big blow if Williamson does not play in the World Cup. He averages 47.83 in 161 ODIs where he has scored 13 centuries.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said, “You can take Kane as a player initially, but the way he is as a leader and a person, we can be a big blow. We haven’t given up hope, but at the moment Looks tough. Right now our side is with Kane, it’s a tough time for him, an injury like that you don’t expect.”

Tom Latham has captained in Williamson’s absence this year and will lead the team in the upcoming Pakistan tour and Latham is the frontrunner to become the captain if Williamson does not play in the World Cup.(IANS)

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