New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson is likely to miss this year’s ICC ODI Cricket World Cup due to a knee injury he suffered while playing in the IPL 2023. The injury occurred during the opening match of Gujarat Titans, his IPL franchise, against Chennai Super Kings on March 31. According to scans, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which requires surgery and rehabilitation.

The New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed that Williamson will undergo surgery on his injured right knee in the coming weeks, and the standard rehabilitation timelines make it unlikely that he will be fit and available for selection at the ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year. Williamson, who led New Zealand to finish as runners-up in the 2019 World Cup, expressed his disappointment at the injury but was determined to recover and get back on the field as soon as possible.

Williamson’s absence from the World Cup will be a significant blow to the New Zealand team, which has been in good form recently. The 31-year-old is one of the world’s best batsmen and a crucial part of the team’s leadership group. His absence will leave a big hole in the middle order, and New Zealand will need to find a suitable replacement for him.

The news of Williamson’s injury has come as a shock to his IPL team, Gujarat Titans, who will now have to rely on their other overseas players to fill the gap left by him. The defending champions have already replaced Williamson with Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain, Dasun Shanaka, who joined the team for his maiden IPL at a base price of INR 50 lakh.

This injury is a reminder of the risks associated with playing in the IPL, which often clashes with international cricket schedules. While the IPL provides an excellent platform for players to showcase their skills and earn big bucks, it can also lead to burnout and injuries. Williamson’s injury is a cautionary tale for other players who may be tempted to prioritize the IPL over international cricket.

The New Zealand team will now have to regroup and find a way to compensate for Williamson’s absence. The team has a history of punching above its weight, and they will need to do so again if they want to have a shot at the World Cup. While Williamson’s injury is a setback, it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and take on more significant roles in the team. The ODI World Cup is scheduled to start in October, and it will be interesting to see how the New Zealand team copes without their talismanic captain.

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