New Delhi: Kane Williamson got a knee injury in the curtain opener for IPL 2023 and as per the latest reports, the Kiwi batter is likely to be ruled out of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. He will be going for surgery on his right knee as he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while saving a six for Gujarat Titans.
He is likely to go under surgery within the next three weeks and including the time for recovery and rehab, it seems unlikely that he will be available for selection for New Zealand’s World Cup squad.
His fans and cricket lovers poured in their heartfelt reactions as the news of him missing the ICC tournament emerged. Williamson is considered one of the kindest and calm players and is loved by all, so the batter received messages from across the globe.
Feeling so bad for Kane Williamson
Another great who has to retire without a world cup pic.twitter.com/5KXzrHl74x— Titu (@TituTweets_) April 6, 2023
Feel for Kane Williamson ??? pic.twitter.com/4InzJ2OVOr
— . (@AamirsABD) April 6, 2023
Painful to see Kane Williamson in this situation!
Wishing him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/cngFRlQiyg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 4, 2023
Kane Williamson is now unlikely to be fit and available for selection at this year’s ICC ODI Cricket World Cup in India.
Get well soon Kane ? pic.twitter.com/wmAEpyMMHS— Mariya Rajput (@mariya_raj10) April 6, 2023
Kane Williamson likely to miss 50 over world cup this year.
Such a big loss to NZ and world cricket without a super star. pic.twitter.com/5MBJcTJQfx
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) April 5, 2023
From being “Player of the Tournament” in 2019 world cup to Ruling out of 2023 world cup due to injury ?
Feel for Kane Williamson pic.twitter.com/8yaOchDqWt
— ‘ (@ashMSDIAN7) April 6, 2023
Hallo Gujarat Titans @hardikpandya7 #AshishNehra
Only IPL Title can heal Kane Williamson, Go For It #AavaDe ?pic.twitter.com/pXk9ow2IYP
— ગુજરાતીમાં (@GujaratiTalk) April 6, 2023
Apart from the heartwarming messages, there were memes about Kane Williamson and others being injured, trending on the internet.
Kane Williamson and Rishabh Pant supporting their teams from dugout in this WC pic.twitter.com/h1GxhGgEPo
— dixarth ☄️ (@dixarth) April 6, 2023
Kane Williamson sacrificing World Cup for saving 2 runs in an IPL match pic.twitter.com/xT1LplQUi4
— Ankit Pathak ?? (@ankit_acerbic) April 6, 2023
Kane Williamson took this opportunity to thank Gujarat Titans and his New Zealand’s support staff and teammates for their support. He said that surgery and rehab are his current focus and added that he looks forward to supporting coach Gary Kirsten and his IPL team over the next few months.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been included in Gujarat Titans in place of Williamson. Shanaka not being picked during the IPL auctions, despite his great performances lately, came as a shocker.