Gujarat Titans (GT), on Sunday, April 2, 2023, confirmed that their New Zealand recruit Kane Williamson, who made his debut for them in the IPL 2023 opener against CSK in Ahmedabad, has been ruled of the remaining season.
The reason behind him missing the rest of the IPL 2023 is the knee injury that he had suffered during the match. Williamson had landed awkwardly - with his right knee buckling under his weight - while attempting a catch at the deep square leg boundary in the 13th over of CSK innings.
He had leapt to intercept a ball headed for six off Ruturaj Gaikwad's bat. He managed to save two runs, palming the ball into the field of play before it bounced onto the boundary boards, but by that point Williamson was on the ground clutching his right knee.
Despite receiving some treatment for a considerable amount of time, Williamson was helped off the field with Sai Sudharsan replacing him when GT came out to bat.
GT’s director of cricket, Vikram Solanki confirmed the sad news and said: “It is sad to lose Kane to injury so early in the tournament. We wish him a speedy recovery, with the hope of seeing him in action very soon.”
The New Zealand white-ball skipper will now return home next week and be seen by relevant medical specialists to establish a treatment plan, according to NZC.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead had called the injury "a big blow" for Williamson and the team.
(PTI inputs)
