Williamson is still recovering from his ACL knee injury that he suffered during IPL 2023.
As he continues to progress his knee rehabilitation, Kane Williamson will play as a batsman-only in today's first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad, with the aim of batting and fielding in Monday's second and final warm-up against South Africa in Trivandrum.
Coach Gary Stead said the priority was ensuring Williamson had time to progress his return to match fitness.
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“Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play. His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigors and intensity of international cricket. We’ll continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready,” he was quoted by New Zealand Cricket.
Tom Latham will captain the side in today’s first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad. He will also captain New Zealand in the tournament opener against England in Ahmedabad on October 5.